Turkey: Protests planned in Istanbul December 7-8

Event

A demonstration is scheduled to take place in front of the US Consulate in Istanbul on Thursday, December 7, at 21:00 (local time) in protest of President Trump's recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel, according to local sources. Continued protests are also expected on Friday afternoon, December 8, at Beyazit Square.

Context

On Wednesday, December 6, President Trump announced that the US officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country has an embassy in Jerusalem. World leaders have strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world.

The US Congress passed a law in 1995 stipulating that the US Embassy in Israel be moved to Jerusalem by May 1999; US Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama all issued waivers every six months to delay the move throughout their respective tenures.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all public demonstrations due to the high risk of violence. Be aware that anti-American and anti-Western sentiment will likely surge in some areas; it is advisable to maintain a low profile and avoid discussing sensitive topics.