May 1, 2026, 1:23 p.mMay 1, 2026, 1:23 p.m
Turkish police clashed with demonstrators who wanted to march to Istanbul’s famous Taksim Square to mark May Day. This is reported by local media, including the daily newspaper “Cumhuriyet”. Authorities had previously banned gatherings in the area.
Demonstrators and the police clashed in Istanbul.Image: keystone
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters and closed access roads to Taksim Square amid tight security, the newspaper wrote.
Footage from the opposition broadcaster Halk TV shows several people being forced into police vehicles during the clashes. The local lawyers’ association CHD put the number of those arrested at over 300, which could not initially be independently verified.
Access to the square is blocked
The Istanbul governor’s office had previously announced that demonstrations and marches would not be allowed around Taksim Square and neighboring areas, citing concerns about public order and security. Authorities had closed some subway stations and major roads in parts of the city and designated two locations on the Asian side of the city for Labor Day celebrations.
Numerous people were arrested.Image: keystone
Taksim Square, an iconic site for the Turkish labor movement and the site of the 2013 Gezi Park protests, has been virtually closed to May rallies for many years. (sda/dpa)