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11 Oct 2024 | 10:01 PM UTC

Turkiye: Increased security, public gathering restrictions imposed in various southeastern provinces through at least Oct. 14 amid protest ban /update 3

Officials tighten security, restrict public gatherings in four additional provinces in southeastern Turkiye through at least Oct. 14.

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TUR

Authorities continued to expand heightened security measures across southeastern Turkiye as of Oct. 11 amid concerns related to a banned opposition protest. Officials have announced the implementation of tightened security controls in at least 13 provinces that are slated to remain in effect in some regions through at least Oct. 14. Activists affiliated with the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) had planned to protest at Station Square (Istasyon Meydani) in the city of Diyarbakir 13:00-18:00 Oct. 13; however, on Oct. 8, authorities announced that they had banned the event. Despite this, on Oct. 11, DEM Party officials and others continued to call for supporters to participate in the planned protest.

Authorities are implementing heightened security measures, including restrictions on all public gatherings, as well as unspecified measures to prevent persons from entering or transiting various provinces for the purpose of participating in such protest activity. Officials have announced that increased security measures would be in effect in the following provinces through the time specified:

  • Batman: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Bingol: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Bitlis: Through 23:59 Oct. 14.

  • Diyarbakir: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Elazig: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Erzurum: Through 08:00 Oct. 14.

  • Hakkari: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Igdir: Through 23:59 Oct. 14.

  • Mardin: Through 08:00 Oct. 14.

  • Mus: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Sanliurfa: Through 23:59 Oct. 14.

  • Sirnak: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

  • Van: Through 23:59 Oct. 13.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased numbers of civilian police and military personnel across Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Erzurum, Hakkari, Igdir, Mardin, Mus, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, and Van provinces through at least Oct. 14. Security measures could include checkpoints along major thoroughfares in the region, as well as increased vehicular and pedestrian searches. Transport disruptions are likely, particularly on major roadways entering the provinces, and may continue into Oct. 15. Police will likely intervene in the case of any attempted gathering at Station Square in Diyarbakir on Oct. 13; clashes are possible should protesters attempt to assemble at the site. Pro-Kurdish activist groups could stage protests in other provinces in response to these measures. Rail disruptions are possible at Diyarbakir Station should any gatherings occur. Authorities may adopt similar measures in nearby regions in the coming days.

Exercise increased caution if operating in southeastern Turkiye through early Oct. 14. Avoid the area near Station Square in Diyarbakir on Oct. 13. Strictly heed the instructions of security personnel. Carry proper identification documents on your person at all times. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Avoid any demonstrations that may occur; keep away from any location where police or military personnel appear to be deploying. Allow additional time if traveling via Diyarbakir Station in the afternoon or evening of Oct. 13.

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