During the demonstrations held in Istanbul on May 1 - International Labor Day, the police detained at least 400 people, including 10 lawyers
Despite the administration's ban on holding a rally in Taksim Square, participants gathered in Beşiktaş and Şişli districts, attempting to break through police barriers. The city administration intensified security measures and restricted traffic in the city center. 100 people were detained in preparation for the demonstration, among them were 10 lawyers and legal professionals. The demonstrators made demands on socio-economic and religious issues, including raising the minimum wage and abolishing income tax.
The demonstrations were led by Turkey's leading trade unions. They considered Taksim Square a suitable place for workers and demanded the right to gather there. One of the union leaders, General Secretary Arzu Çerkezoğlu, emphasized, "We will not abandon this square."
Although the Turkish Constitutional Court declared in 2023 that banning gatherings in Taksim Square was a violation of human rights, the government did not consider this decision. The use of force by police and mass detentions were criticized by human rights organizations and the international community.
The demonstrations were also held in protest against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March. İmamoğlu is regarded as a main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
On May 1, peaceful demonstrations also took place in other cities of Turkey, including Ankara. However, the events in Istanbul further intensified the political and social tensions in the country.
Abdullah Sayyid
