Turkey: Activists call for nationwide protests May 31

Event

Taksim Solidarity has called for nationwide protests in Turkey May 31 to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Gezi Park anti-government demonstrations. A protest in Istanbul is scheduled to take place at Taksim Square from 19:00 May 31. Likely locations for protests in other cities include central squares and outside government buildings.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all protests that materialize. Related security measures, such as possible road closures and movement restrictions, could lead to localized transport disruptions near protests. Clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out, particularly if participants attempt to breach any security cordons; police could resort to the use of riot control measures such as tear gas against unruly crowds.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in protest affected areas.