13th anniversary of Gezi under police blockade... Commemoration held in Taksim

In Istanbul, intense security measures were implemented in Taksim Square and its surroundings for the 13th anniversary of the Gezi Resistance. In line with the decisions of the Istanbul Governorship and the Beyoğlu District Governorship, police barriers were set up at many points in the region, and a large number of police teams were deployed.

Despite all security measures, hundreds of citizens gathered on Mis Street in Beyoğlu to commemorate the anniversary of the Gezi Resistance.

EXTENSIVE SECURITY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED IN AND AROUND TAKSIM

Before the commemoration program, security measures were increased at many points in Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, and the surrounding area. While some roads leading to the square were closed to traffic throughout the day, metro services continued without stopping at the Taksim station.

Police barriers were set up on the route extending from Osmanbey to Taksim, and intense security practices were carried out throughout the region.

HUNDREDS GATHERED ON MIS STREET

Despite the measures taken, a large number of people gathered on Mis Street to participate in the commemoration organized for the 13th anniversary of the Gezi Resistance.

Throughout the event, participants chanted various slogans. The crowd frequently voiced slogans such as "A thousand greetings to those who fell and fought in Gezi," "We are Gezi, we will come again," "Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance," "Berkin Elvan is a sapling at 15," and "Darkness fades, Gezi remains."

CAN ATALAY'S MESSAGE SHARED

Messages of support for CHP Hatay Deputy Can Atalay were also read at the commemoration event.

The program was attended by Ahmet Şık, Sezai Temelli, Kezban Konukçu, and İskender Bayhan, along with representatives of various political parties and non-governmental organizations.

PHOTOS OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN GEZI WERE CARRIED

Photos of those who lost their lives during the Gezi Resistance and those imprisoned as part of the Gezi trial were carried in the event area.

Participants made calls for the release of the imprisoned individuals.

Gülsüm Elvan, the mother of Berkin Elvan, who lost his life during the Gezi events, also gave a speech at the event.

Stating that the memory of Gezi will continue to be kept alive despite all obstacles, Elvan expressed that Taksim has been kept under a police blockade for many years.

In her speech, she said, "Today we are under blockade again. We will surely break these blockades one day, and we will commemorate our children in Gezi by leaving carnations. We will walk arm in arm with Can Atalay, Mine Özerden, Çiğdem Mater, Osman Kavala, and Tayfun Kahraman, and we will commemorate our children there by leaving our carnations."

At the end of her speech, Elvan stated, "We will surely break this wall of fear one day. Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance."

NAMES OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES WERE READ ONE BY ONE

In the commemoration program, the names of those who lost their lives during the Gezi Resistance were read one by one. After each name, the participants shouted "Lives on" in unison.

News Source: 12punto