Turkey: HDP protest scheduled in Istanbul August 1

Event

The pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party (HDP) has scheduled a "justice watch" demonstration in Yogurtcu Park (Kadlikoy district), Istanbul on Tuesday, August 1. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 12:00 (local time). The number of protesters participating in the event is unclear. The protest is part of the group's three-month "democracy struggle plan", set to end on November 4, the anniversary of the first wave of mass arrests of lawmakers in Turkey.

Security is likely to be tight in the vicinity of Yogurtcu Park, and altercations between police and protesters are possible. Transportation disruptions in the Kadlikoy district are also likely.

Context

The HDP is demanding that the government lift the current state of emergency and release imprisoned party members.

Tensions have been simmering throughout Turkey since the implementation of a state of emergency on July 15, 2016. Critics of the emergency measures cite a heavy-handed crackdown on opposition elements across the country under the guise of national security. Over 50,000 people have been arrested under the state of emergency, including over 170 journalists and a dozen lawmakers. Over 140,000 public workers have been fired, including tens of thousands of civil servants, prosecutors, and teachers, and several thousand academics.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to avoid all demonstrations and rallies, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, and carry proper identification at all times (e.g. passport).

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and maintain a high degree of vigilance, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, festivals, etc.). Some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.