Turkey: Protesters to gather in Istanbul June 19

Event

Activists plan to protest in Istanbul June 19 to denounce the government's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention (Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence). Protesters will gather at 13:00 in Maltepe.

Student and opposition groups are likely to support the event, which will boost participation. Security forces will deploy in the vicinity and could impose localized movement restrictions. While the demonstration will probably remain peaceful, localized road closures and traffic disruptions are possible near larger rallies. Clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate potential disruptions. Plan for ground travel delays near Maltepe in the afternoon of June 19. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.