Police in Istanbul detained dozens of people on Wednesday who tried to reach the city’s main square in defiance of a government ban on marking Labour Day. The protesters were making their way to Istanbul’s main Taksim Square for the annual May Day protest, but all rallies have been banned there. Turkish authorities have heightened security measures in anticipation of Labor Day, and the Interior Ministry announced the capture of 58 individuals suspected of attempting to provoke unrest at the demonstrations.

Clashes and Detentions at May Day Protest

Despite the ban on May Day demonstrations in Taksim Square in central Istanbul, a large number of workers and unions gathered for various marches and events to mark Labor Day. However, clashes between protesters and Turkish police ensued as authorities fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Dozens of individuals were detained during the clashes. The DEM Party, one of Turkey’s opposition parties, criticized the ban and urged people to celebrate Workers’ Day in Taksim Square, stating, “We do not recognize the ban of the Governor of Istanbul. Let’s celebrate 1 May in Taksim.”

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Summary:

Police in Istanbul detained dozens of people who defied the ban on May Day protests in Taksim Square.

Turkish authorities heightened security measures and captured 58 individuals suspected of provoking unrest at the demonstrations.

Clashes between protesters and police occurred as authorities used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.

The DEM Party criticized the ban and called for celebrations in Taksim Square despite the prohibition.

Sources:

Reuters

Daily Sabah

Associated Press