Police place barricades in İstanbul's Taksim ahead of Feminist Night March

Click to read the article in Turkish

The 21st Feminist Night March will be held today in Beyoğlu, İstanbul, to mark International Women's Day.

The authorities are expected not to allow the march, as has been the case over the past few years.

Early in the morning, the police placed barricades on the streets leading to İstiklal Avenue, where the march will take place, and in Taksim Square.

Also, the Governor's Office announced that the subway station in Taksim, the Şişhane subway station's entrance on İstiklal Avenue, and the Taksim-Kabataş funicular line will be closed as of 2 p.m. local time.

In an announcement yesterday, organizers of the night march said, "The Night March becomes possible with the struggle of all of us, it becomes the expression of our revolt. But this year, the situation is different. None of us are well after the earthquake. We are trying to make each other feel better, to be well together. The thought of being side by side at the Feminist Night March tomorrow gives us strength and hope." (EMK/VK)