Turkiye: Authorities ban demonstrations in Batman, Mardi and Sanliurfa provinces Nov. 4-13

Officials in Batman, Mardi, and Sanliurfa provinces have banned demonstrations for 10 days, Nov. 4-13. The announcement follows the appointment of new trustees to local municipalities following the ousting of local elected representatives. The Turkish Ministry of Interior reportedly appointed new trustees due to the alleged misuse of public funds and resources by the municipalities. Security forces have deployed at municipality buildings in the towns of Batman, Mardi, and Halfeti since early Nov. 4. Limited political demonstrations are ongoing near the municipality buildings in Batman and Mardin. A protest has been organized in Diyarbakir in response to the Turkish government's appointments to the neighboring provinces; the demonstration will take place in the Ofis neighborhood, Yenisehir District, Diyarbakir from 15:00 Nov. 4. Further demonstrations might occur in neighboring regions in the coming days.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security measures, including police checkpoints, in locations across the Batman, Mardi, and Sanliurfa provinces. Localized transport disruptions cannot be ruled out. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible if activists attempt to rally despite the ban. Security forces will likely attempt to forcibly disperse any such protests that materialize.