Turkey: Women's rights activists to demonstrate in Ankara April 28

Event

Women's rights activists plan to demonstrate outside the Council of State building in Ankara April 28. The purpose of the action is to show support for the Istanbul Convention, a human rights treaty pertaining to violence against women agreed by the Council of Europe in 2011, which Turkey withdrew from in 2021. The Council of State is hearing lawsuits claiming the withdrawal was illegal on April 28. Organizers have not confirmed a start time; however, activists are likely to start gathering around 08:00 to coincide with the first hearings of the day. Attendance may reach the low hundreds.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the action. Large crowds and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely result in localized transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Isolated clashes between police and activists cannot be ruled out, particularly if activists attempt to breach any security cordons. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face an indirect threat of harm.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area April 28.