Turkey: Activists to rally against COVID-19 policies and restrictions in central Ankara Sept. 18

Event

Activists plan to rally in front of the Turkish National Assembly (Turkiye Buyuk Milli Meclisi) starting at 14:00 on Sept. 18. The purpose of the gathering is to denounce COVID-19-related policies and associated restrictions on movement and activity; the event is part of an international series of demonstrations dubbed the “World Wide Rally for Freedom” which will be taking place in cities across at least 40 countries around the globe on the same date.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy tight security in the Turkish capital during the event. The demonstration has the potential to draw large crowds; a rally over the same issue which took place Sept. 11 in Istanbul's Maltepe district drew thousands of participants. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely. Clashes are possible if authorities deem the event to be unruly or in violation of the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions on public gatherings; Turkish police have a history of using tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests they determine to be too disruptive.

Advice

Avoid the area of the Turkish parliament building in Ankara a standard security precaution on Sept. 18. Monitor local media for updates, as organizers may change plans without announcing details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the general vicinity of the announced protest location.