Turkey: Further student protests likely in urban centers through January

Event

Further protests are likely in the coming days as students around the country show solidarity with students of Bosphorus University (Bogazici Universitesi), who are protesting against that institution's new government-appointed president. Several thousand activists have attended related demonstrations at Bosphorus University and in the Kadikoy District of Istanbul, and students at other academic institutions, as well as members of labor organizations and leftist political groups, have held a number of related demonstrations in other cities, including Ankara and Izmir. Clashes between protesters and police have been reported at some events, with officers using tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Dozens of protesters have been arrested, which has also prompted further protests outside the Caglayan court building in Istanbul's Sisli District.

Any related demonstrations are likely to take place in central squares and around major university campuses, particularly in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Security forces will deploy in the vicinity of any demonstrations. Clashes between activists and security personnel are possible; police in Turkey can be quick to resort to forceful methods to disperse demonstrations. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they could face a significant indirect threat.

Context

Students associated with the group Bosphorus Solidarity (Bogazici Dayanismasi) have been protesting to condemn the appointment of Dr. Melih Bulu as the president of the Bosphorus University. Many students are opposed to Bulu's serving as the institute's president since he was appointed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rather than being selected internally. Bulu had also been a candidate for Parliament on the AKP ticket during Turkey's 2015 elections. Critics assert his appointment is a political move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, rather than a decision based on the interests of academia.

Advice

Avoid all related demonstrations in the coming days and exercise caution in the vicinity of prominent universities and potential demonstration venues. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local security personnel and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.