28 May 2024 | 11:00 PM UTC
Turkiye: Activists to rally in Istanbul's Taksim Square on May 31 to mark 11th anniversary of Gezi Park protest movement
Activists to rally at Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkiye, on May 31 to mark 11th anniversary of Gezi Park protests. Tight security likely.
Activists from several political, civil society, and labor groups - including Taksim Solidarity, the Left Party (SOL Parti), and the Confederation of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) - plan to rally at Istanbul's Taksim Square during the evening of May 31. The purpose of the action is to mark the 11th anniversary of the 2013 Gezi Park protest movement; participants will assemble at 19:00. The event will likely draw a several thousand participants.
Police will undoubtedly maintain a very tight security posture near the demonstration venue and could move to prevent activists from reaching Taksim Square. Officers could also use force to disperse the gathering; clashes are possible. During the 9th anniversary observance in 2022, police resorted to the use of pepper spray to disperse the crowd and arrested several dozen participants.
As a precaution, avoid the area of Taksim Square during the evening of May 31, including Istiklal Caddesi from the square to the Galatasaray School. Strictly need the instructions of local security personnel. If clashes occur, leave the area immediately; if unable to do so, seek shelter in a secure, non-governmental building until it is safe to depart. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations.
