Throughout the week, the talks between Turkey’s major workers unions and Governor of Istanbul have resulted in a stalemate over the celebration venue for this year’s May Day celebrations.
Governor Mutlu recommended Yenikapı Square and Maltepe Demonstration Zone for May Day, while DISK President Kani Beko stated that they are insistent about celebrating at Taksim.
Initially, talks were held on Monday when the representatives of DISK, KESK, TMMOB and TTB have come together on Monday with Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, the governor of Istanbul, to discuss the venue of this year’s May Day celebrations.
During the meeting, Governor Mutlu recommended Yenikapı Square for May Day. He also pointed out that they notified the committee that there could can be a small gathering at Kazancı Slope [in order to commemorate the killing of May Day celebrators in 1977] and Taksim Monument but for mass celebrations, Yenikapı Square would be more suitable.
On the other hand, Confederation of Progressive Worker Unions (DISK) President Kani Beko stated that they are insistent about celebrating at Taksim. He also reminded of last year’s police violence and previous ECHR convictions.
Turkey convicted of “disproportional force”
On November 27, 2012, ECHR has found Turkey guilty of “exercising excessive and disproportional force” on workers, ordering the Turkish state to pay compensations.
ECHR has ruled that European Declaration of Human Rights (EDHR) Article 11 (related to right to public gatherings and demonstrations) was violated.
On the filed ECHR application, it is stated that the Article 34 of the Turkish Constitution was also violated: “Everyone has the right to hold unarmed and peaceful meetings and demonstration marches without prior permission.”
Last year, the celebrations of May Day were prohibited by Governor’s Office because of endangering risk for Taksim Pedestrianization Project. Police attacks in various places have caused many people’s injuries.
“Opposing ECHR might risk dragging Turkey out”
Later on Tuesday, May Day Organization Committee, a body including Turkey’s major worker and professional unions DİSK, KESK, TMMOB and TTB held a press conference to reiterating their position on May Day celebrations this year and previous ECHR verdicts.
Speaking at the press conference, Prof. Ibrahim Kaboğlu said that, with the obligation of applying the decision, it is now government’s duty and responsibility to provide the ground for May 1 celebrations.
“There is no legal ground on whether or not the celebrations requires permission. Because May Day celebrations are peaceful and ECHR verdict is binding as Turkish Constitution Article 90 rules that in conflicting cases, international laws and treaties are binding,” Kaboğlu continued.
He also added that not complying with an ECHR verdict might risk dragging Turkey out of European Commission.
Çerkezoğlu: We don’t wish to experience last year again
On the other hand, DISK General Secretary Arzu Çerkezoğlu reminded that no issues occured during 2010, 2011 and 2012 celebrations in Taksim.
“The address for May Day Celebrations in Istanbul is Taksim Square,” she said.
“What we understand from the governor is that the political authority led by Prime Minister is continuing its attitude on deciding everything.
“The political authority is constantly attempting to polarize the society and create divisions. It is seeking a tension policy and now it is trying to drag May Day celebrations into this. We won’t let that happen.
“Last year, the [police] violence was throughout the city. We don’t wish to experience that again.” (NV/BK/BAR/BM)
* This article has been compiled from various articles from bianet Turkish.
