Tensions in Istanbul escalated during International Labour Day celebrations as police arrested hundreds of demonstrators and sealed off iconic Taksim Square. The city's response follows significant unrest sparked by the controversial arrest of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Istanbul's May Day Protests Meet Heavy Police Crackdown
Istanbul's May Day Protests Meet Heavy Police Crackdown
With 50,000 officers deployed, authorities arrest hundreds during May Day demonstrations in Istanbul.
In a dramatic show of force, Istanbul authorities have arrested hundreds during May Day protests as they deployed 50,000 police officers to the city. Public transport systems were shut down to prevent demonstrators from reaching Taksim Square, historically known for hosting large-scale protests which have been banned since 2013.
Video footage captured confrontations between riot police and protesters, with onlookers witnessing police forcibly detaining individuals and placing them onto buses. The protests come after significant unrest in March following the arrest of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key challenger to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
On May 1, International Labour Day is celebrated across the globe with marches led by workers and unions. However, Taksim Square was under extreme lockdown; police and metal barriers lined all access roads to the area. The normally vibrant square appeared desolate, with shops and restaurants closed, severely limiting movement for both locals and tourists.
While some labor unions were briefly allowed access to Taksim with flowers and banners, the event was overshadowed by the heavy police presence and restrictions. One student, Murat, described the scene as reminiscent of a state of emergency, expressing deep concern over ongoing rights violations.
Leading up to May Day, authorities detained 100 individuals suspected of planning protests, with the total arrested reaching 382 for "non-authorized demonstrations." Rights group Amnesty International condemned the crackdown, urging Turkish authorities to lift the ban on demonstrations and to respect the right to peaceful protest.
Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor since 2019, remains imprisoned on corruption charges, which he claims are politically motivated. He is considered a prominent figure capable of opposing Erdogan's government in the upcoming 2028 elections. Erdogan, who has been in power for over two decades and has faced growing opposition, may not be able to seek another term unless he amends the constitution.
