Turkey: Demonstration in support of the city's mayor planned in Istanbul, Dec. 15

Event

A demonstration in support of the city's mayor is planned in Istanbul from 16:00 Dec. 15. Protestors will gather in Fatih Sarachane Park, which faces the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building. The mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was jailed and banned from political activity, Dec. 14, but has received widespread local and international support. Thousands gathered to protest the decision Dec. 14, and similar numbers of attendees are likely Dec. 15.

Authorities will likely deploy police to monitor the event and close roads near the site. Large crowds and related security measures will likely cause localized traffic and public transportation disruptions. The demonstration will probably remain largely peaceful; however, confrontations with police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time to reach destinations in central Istanbul, Dec. 15. Heed instructions from security services; leave the area immediately at the first sign of any security disturbance.