Turkey: Women's rights activists to protest in central Istanbul, July 1

Event

Women’s rights activists have called for a mass protest in central Istanbul July 1 to mark the date on which the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence will no longer be in effect in Turkey. Participants will gather at 19:00 at Taksim Square.

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. The event could result in disruptions to nearby subway services. While the demonstration will probably remain peaceful, clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

The government announced its intention to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention March 20, prompting large-scale protests by civil rights groups around the country, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul. Additional demonstrations are likely in other cities on July 1.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate potential disruptions. Plan for ground travel delays near Taksim Square the evening of July 1. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.