Turkiye: Activists stage sit-in protest at HDP/YSP party headquarters in Beyoglu, Istanbul, as of evening Oct. 2 to denounce recent arrests

Event

Activists are holding a sit-in protest at the joint Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and Green Left Party (YSP) headquarters in Beyoglu, Istanbul, as of the evening of Oct. 2. The purpose of the demonstration is to denounce arrests that occurred earlier in the day. HDP members attempted to hold an unauthorized press conference at the building after authorities arrested some 20 people in the city, including party leaders and members, early Oct. 2. Police then surrounded the building and clashed with activists at the site to prevent the press conference from occurring, arresting an additional 10 people in the process. It was not immediately clear how many demonstrators had assembled in the area for the sit-in protest. Participating activists have vowed to continue the sit-in demonstration until police vacate the scene.

Transport disruptions are likely in the affected area over the coming hours. Further clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out. Authorities may attempt to forcibly disperse the demonstrators from the protest site.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration site as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling in the affected area. If further violence breaks out, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers.