Turkey: Pro-Kurdish activists to demonstrate in Istanbul, July 31

Event

Activists affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) plan to demonstrate in central Istanbul the evening of July 31 to denounce racism against the ethnic-Kurdish population. The protest follows the killing of seven members of a Kurdish family in Konya on the previous day. Participants will gather at Taksim Square from 19:00; attendance could reach the hundreds.

Additional police will deploy to monitor proceedings, and associated security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Isolated clashes between police and activists are possible if demonstrators become disruptive or attempt to breach security cordons. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect threat of physical harm. Further related protests are possible in the coming days.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the vicinity of the demonstration on the evening of July 31.