Demonstrations Banned in Ankara Ahead of Next Gülmen, Özakça Hearing

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 Ankara Governorship has banned all demonstrations, press statements and meetings in some areas in Turkey's capital of Ankara's Kızılay district that also cover the Yüksel street where Gülmen and Özakça had been staging a sit-in protest during their hunger strike.

The prohibition applies to the area between the crossing points of Atatürk - İsmet İnönü Boulevards and Milli Müdafa, Ziya Gökalp, Tuna and Mithatpaşa streets.

The governorship in its written statement argued that certain civil society organizations had been staging demonstrations and protest "under the cover of a press statement" and thus been blocking pedestrian and car traffic due to the mass participation, causing noise and video pollution, and disturbing the public order.

According to the governorship, "this situation causes fear and panic among the citizens in the area and these undesirable incidents constituted a threat to the social security.

The statement also reported that "there was information that the terrorist organizations of DEAŞ-PKK/KCK (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Kurdistan Workers' Party/ Kurdistan Communities Union) would interfere in these demonstrations".

The new ban placed on loud anthems and songs, slogans as well as demonstration and press statements will be in effect until further notice.

2 days before next hearing of Gülmen and Özakça

The ban will be in effect in the town center of Kızılay that also covers the Yüksel street where Gülmen and Özakça had been staging a sit-in protest and holding hunger strike.

Academic Nuriye Gülmen and teacher Semih Özakça who were discharged from their positions through a statutory decree and went on a hunger strike to be reinstated to their jobs but were arrested during their hunger strike.

Supporters who have been carrying out protests in Yüksel Street in support of Gülmen and Özakça since May 22 have been facing police intervention and detentions.

The ban has been issued two days before the next hearing of Gülmen and Özakça on September 28. 

Similar bans were imposed previously on May 26, July 5 and August 2, 2017. (HK/DG)