Turkey: Nationwide election-related protests April 22

Event

Nationwide protests were held on Tuesday, April 22, following an attack by protestors against the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu during a soldier's funeral in Ankara on Monday, April 21. The CHP had called for demonstrations to take place across the country following the attack and protesters gathered in the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Further such protests are likely to take place nationwide in the coming days as election-related tensions remain high as of Tuesday, April 23, notably in Ankara and Istanbul.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected near any demonstrations. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Tensions between political parties in Turkey have risen since candidates from the opposition Nation's Alliance - led by the Republican People's Party (CHP) and Good Party (İyi Party) won the cities of Ankara and Istanbul against candidates from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) during the local elections held on March 31.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to monitor local developments, refrain from discussing domestic political affairs in public (including on social media), avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.