14 Oct 2019 | 09:14 PM UTC
Turkey: Protest planned in Istanbul October 19
Demonstration planned in Istanbul on October 19; heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
The Saturday Mothers group is planning to stage a demonstration outside the Human Rights Association (İHD) office in Istanbul on Saturday, October 19, to honor family members who vanished while detained by state authorities, and to denounce the ongoing Turkish offensive in Syria. The exact time of the protest was not immediately available.
A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the demonstration site; clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out. Similar demonstrations are to be anticipated on Saturdays in Istanbul in the near-term, as the Saturday Mothers group has vowed to hold weekly protests outside the Human Rights Association (İHD) office on Saturdays.
Context
A related protest was violently dispersed by security forces on October 12.
Advice
Individuals in Istanbul are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.