Turkey: Women's group to protest in Ankara August 5

Event

A women’s rights group is planning to hold a demonstration in Ankara on Saturday, August 5. According to the US Embassy in Ankara, the group “Justice for Women” will rally at Swan Park (also known as Kugulu Park) at 18:00 (local time). Expect increased security measures and potential traffic disruptions in the area.

Context

It is unclear if the protest has been authorized by the government. On July 29, a women’s rights group organized a march under the name of “Don’t Mess With My Outfit” in Istanbul. Hundreds of people reportedly participated in the demonstration to protest against a rise in pressure for women to dress more conservatively in the country.

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 Ankara are advised to exercise caution and avoid public demonstrations and gatherings in urban areas due to the risk of violence.