Workers across Turkey mark May Day

Thousands of people across Turkey attended events to mark May Day. Demonstrators voiced criticism of the government due to the economic crisis, as well as chanting slogans in favor of the Gezi Park protests and the İstanbul Convention.

In İstanbul, thousands of people gathered in the Asian-side district of Maltepe as the Taksim Square was banned once again. Police detained more than 150 people who attempted to march to the square.

Only union leaders were allowed in the square, which was surrounded by hundreds of police officers and barricades, to lay carnations at the Atatürk Monument to commemorate those who were killed in the 1977 May Day massacre.

 Union leaders in Taksim Square. (Photo: AA)

In Maltepe, speeches by leaders of unions and professional chambers were followed by a concert of the Kardeş Türküler band.

Photo: AA

In Ankara, the capital, thousands of workers held a rally in Tandoğan Square.

 Photo: MA

(RT/VK)