Turkish police forcibly dispersed protesters trying to mark May Day, International Labor Day, in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square. More than 200 people have been arrested and dozens injured.
The celebration of May Day in Turkey this year, as well as last year, was banned as part of the imposed lockdown due to the coronavirus epidemic from April 29 to May 17.
Traditionally, in previous years, rallies were held at the initiative of trade unions and wreaths were laid at Taksim, the place of death of 35 workers killed at the May Day celebrations in 1977. Therefore, Taksim Square is of special importance to trade unions.
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Photo: BTA / AR
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By order of the Turkish Interior Ministry, on the eve of May Day, Taksim Square and Gezi Park were surrounded by barriers, and a cordon of police with dogs blocked the side streets leading to the square.
However, several groups of protesters with placards, flags and flowers in the morning tried to break through the police cordon, entering from the side streets and breaking down barriers, local media reported.
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Photo: BTA / AR
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However, the police did not allow the groups to enter the square. Clashes broke out in which police used force and batons against protesters. There are wounded, but their exact number is unknown. Turkish media reported that there were dozens.
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Photo: BTA / AR
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Another group of protesters, who tried to break through the police cordon around the central metro stations, were also dispersed by force. Metro and bus traffic in central Istanbul has been suspended.
The police blockade around Taksim Square and Gezi Park continues.
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