Over 400 detained as May Day protests erupt in Istanbul
Istanbul police detained over 400 individuals on May 1st during May Day protests—the largest protest action since the widespread rallies in April following the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, according to Al-Monitor via Reuters.
Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, announced late that day that authorities had taken 407 people into custody in Istanbul, revising the initial count of 384 released earlier by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.
The statement did not specify the locations of the detentions. However, authorities arrested many demonstrators as they moved towards Taksim Square, a symbolic gathering site for International Workers Day. The authorities heavily restricted public transport, suspending metro services and blocking several roads throughout the city.
The protests occurred in the context of heightened political tensions following the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. On March 19th, Al-Monitor via Reuters reported, as cited by Levantis that authorities had arrested Imamoglu, a senior member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in connection with a corruption investigation.
His arrest triggered widespread demonstrations across major Turkish cities, with critics alleging that the charges were filed to weaken opposition influence ahead of upcoming elections and for political reasons.
According to Middle East Eye on March 24th, authorities detained more than 10,000 demonstrators and arrested at least 10 journalists. In addition, opposition social media accounts were blocked.
Al-Monitor via AFP on March 27th reported that media restrictions had expanded, with a BBC journalist deported and a Turkish TV channel handed a 10-day broadcast ban due to its coverage of the protests.
Al-Monitor via AFP, Al-Monitor via Reuters, Middle East Eye
