Turkiye: Authorities ban demonstrations and other political activities in Bursa Province Nov. 16-22

Officials in Bursa Province have banned demonstrations and other political activities, including distributing leaflets and hanging posters, Nov. 16-22. The announcement reportedly comes ahead of a planned "Freedom March" scheduled to begin in Gemlik District Nov. 18 in support of Abdullah Ocalan, imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Officials have also banned the entrance of individuals into the province for the purposes of the demonstration, as well as the movement of individuals within the province in connection with the protest. The intended march route was not immediately clear. March organizers did not immediately clarify whether they would attempt to go ahead with the planned demonstration in spite of the protest ban.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security measures, including police checkpoints, in locations across the province, particularly near the province's borders and in Gemlik city. Localized transport disruptions cannot be ruled out. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible in Gemlik District if activists attempt to go ahead with the protest march or stage other related demonstrations. Security forces will likely attempt to forcibly disperse any such protests that materialize.