Turkiye: Further protests, related disruptions likely in Batman through at least mid-November /update 2

Supporters of the opposition Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) plan to demonstrate in central Batman during the afternoon of Nov. 17. Participants will assemble at Basin Junction (the intersection of Ataturk Boulevard, Edip Solmaz Boulevard, Komando Caddesi, and Toptancilar Caddesi) at 13:00. Participants may march through the surrounding area; in previous related demonstrations, activists marched to the Batman Municipality building. The purpose of the demonstration is to denounce the appointment of a trustee to replace the democratically elected co-mayors; the march is the latest in a series of related protests that began in early November.

Further rallies and resulting clashes are likely in Batman through at least mid-November. In early November, thousands of activists held various types of demonstrations, including marches, in several areas of Batman, including Gulistan Avenue, Seyid Bilal Street, and Yilmaz Guney Park. Clashes between activists and police late Nov. 6 left at least six officers injured and 75 protesters detained.

Potential gathering sites for any future actions include prominent government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Well-attended rallies will probably continue attracting thousands of participants. Authorities will almost certainly monitor any further protests and may use force to disperse unruly crowds. Depending on operational needs, officials could impose additional restrictions, including road blockades. Associated localized business and transport disruptions are likely.