Turkey: Women's rights activists to protest in major cities nationwide, July 1 /update 1

Event

Women's rights activists have called for mass nationwide protests to mark the date on which the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence will no longer be in effect in Turkey. Protests will take place at the following times and locations:

• Adana: 18:00 Inonu Park

• Ankara: 18:30 Sakarya Caddesi

• Antalya: 19:00 Republic Square

• Istanbul: 19:00 Taksim Square.

• Izmir: 18:30 Turkan Saylan Cultural Center

• Mersin: 19:00 Koshimoto Street

Student and opposition groups are likely to support the events, which will boost participation. Security forces will deploy in the vicinity and could impose localized movement restrictions. The events could result in disruptions to nearby public transport. While the demonstrations will probably remain peaceful, clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

The government announced its intention to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention March 20, prompting large-scale protests by civil rights groups around the country, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate potential disruptions. Plan for ground travel delays in the vicinity of related gatherings July 1. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.