Turkey: Pro-Kurdish activists call for protest in Istanbul, Aug. 1

Event

Activists affiliated with the People's Democratic Party (HDP) plan to protest at Esenyurt Meydan in Istanbul from 18:00 Aug. 1. The gathering has been called to denounce racism against the ethnic-Kurdish population. The protests are in response to the killing of seven members of a Kurdish family in Konya. The demonstrations follow similar action across Turkey, July 31.

Additional police will deploy to monitor proceedings, and associated security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Isolated clashes between police and activists are possible if demonstrators become disruptive or attempt to breach security cordons. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect threat of physical harm. Related protests are possible elsewhere in Turkey, Aug. 1, and in the coming days.

Advice

Avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the vicinity of the demonstrations on the evening of Aug. 1.