Roads to Taksim Square to be closed ahead of Feminist Night March

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The İstanbul Governor's Office has announced that roads to Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue will be closed as of 2 p.m.

Only Gümüşsuyu Street, Refik Saydam Street, Sıraselviler Street and Tarlabaşı Boulevard will remain open, according to the statement.

Feminist lawyer Meriç Eyüboğlu told bianet that the statement doesn't mean that the Feminist Night March, which will be held for the 19th straight year, is banned as similar announcements were made on March 8 in the last three years.

The meeting will take place at 6.30 pm on Taksim Square, said the lawyer, who participated in all the night marches before.

"For the past three years, we have been starting mornings on March 8 like this. In order to prevent women from coming to the Feminist Night March, roads are closed hours before, public transport is canceled. Pedestrian traffic to İstiklal Avenue is blocked in the following hours," she said.

"Moreover, reports are published as if the Feminist Night March is banned. No, there is not a ban. Frankly, it's not possible that anything can stand in the way," she added.

"Despite all obstacles, we are going to meet at our usual address, Taksim, for the 19th Feminist Night March.

"I am not saying anything but send greetings to those who can't understand that these obstacles can't stop the women who have been holding this meeting for 19 years."

The roads to be closed are:

Meşelik Sokak will be closed in the Taksim Square direction.

The road from Taksim Square (in front of the buffets) to İstiklal Avenue.

Entry and exit from Refik Saydam Street to Asmalı Mescit Street and the Ensiz Street - İlk Belediye Street intersection will be closed to traffic.

The Balo Street - Turnacıbaşı Street intersection will be closed to traffic.

Sadri Alışık Street - Atıf Yılmaz Street will be closed to traffic.

The Yeni Çarşı Street - İstiklal Avenue intersection will be closed to traffic.

The Yeni Çarşı Street - İstiklal Avenue intersection will be closed in the İstiklal Avenue direction.

Entrance from the Tunnel to İstiklal Avenue will be closed.

(TP/VK)