May Day in Istanbul

Since Taksim were banned to May Day celebrations Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK), Turkey’s Union of Architects and Engineers (TMMOB), Turkey Medical Association (TTB), Halkevleri, United June Movement and People’s Democracy Party (HDP) called for Beşiktaş in order to march to Taksim.

Early in the morning, all avenues, by-streets leading to Taksim were closed with the police barricades. The public life were almost a standstill.

Erdoğan defended the ban

In the meeting with the workers in White Palace, President Erdoğan gave a speech and defended the ban.

Erdoğan began his speech at 14.10. During that time, the policemen were attacking the demonstrators who were trying to march to Taksim from Mecidiyeköy, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Okmeydanı in İstanbul.

While the unions were waiting in to order to march to Taksim and negotiating with the police representatives in Beşiktaş, the attack of police started at 14.00 (local time).

The journalist had difficulties 

Even though the journalist who has yellow pres cards experienced difficulties while performing their duties. Two journalist were injured while police attecks.

Taksim Square is Empty

Due to the strict security measures, Taksim Square was empty daylong.

The most active moment in the square took place at 11.00 (local time). Approximetly 50 members of the Communist Party started to run towards Taksim Monument from Cengaver Inn which is closed to the monument. Preveting by police with nightsticks, some of the demonstrators were detained. Before this incident, two women demonstrators wanted to open a banner and, they were detained. Then, two male protestors who would like to do a same protest in a building which can bee seen from the suquare were prevented by the police.

Only, Türk-İş, Aksiyon-İş, Cihan Sen, Birleşik Kamu İş, Hak-İş, the unions which are hand in glove with AKP allowedly placed a wreath on Taksim Monument.

Number of the detainees

Established by Istanbul Bar Association for the right abuses on May Day in Istanbul, the crises desk made a statement and mentioned that till on noon 150 demonstrators were detained. Also, Istanbul Mayor Vasip Şahin declared around 18.00 ,"As of now, 203 people were detained, 18 people were injured". (BK-EA/CB)