Harsh intervention in May 1st demonstrations in Istanbul! Police blockade expands

Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU

May 1st Labor Day in Istanbul is being marked again this year with intense security measures and police interventions. While security checkpoints were established at many points in the city, entry to Taksim Square was prohibited. Groups and party members opposing this ban decision faced off with police at various locations while attempting to march to Taksim.

NUMBER OF DETAINEES ROSE TO 120

According to information received from the Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) Istanbul Branch, a large number of people have been detained in the city since the morning hours. As of 11:20, this number rose to 120. Among those detained are citizens who wanted to march to Taksim from various parts of Istanbul and individuals from various parties.

DETENTIONS AND PEPPER SPRAY INTERVENTION IN BEŞİKTAŞ AND MECİDİYEKÖY

Members of the HKP who wanted to march to Taksim from Beşiktaş and Mecidiyeköy encountered police intervention. During the intervention, the police sprayed pepper spray at the group. In Mecidiyeköy Square, the police also intervened against many people as well as members of the press. Journalist Evrim Kepenek reported that a large number of detentions were made at 10:26.

PEPPER SPRAY INTERVENTION AGAINST TİP LEADER ERKAN BAŞ

It was noted that the police sprayed pepper spray at TİP Leader Erkan Baş in Mecidiyeköy. In his statement following the intervention, Baş said, "What do you gain by pitting laborers against police officers, each of whom lives under difficult conditions? The government already speaks 365 days a year; let the workers speak about the difficulties they face for one day of the year."

EVERYWHERE IS TAKSIM, EVERYWHERE IS RESISTANCE

The crowd gathered in Mecidiyeköy chanted slogans of 'Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance' against the police barricade. Long scuffles occurred between those who wanted to go to Taksim and the police in the area. The May 1st Taksim Initiative was blockaded by the police in Mecidiyeköy.

DETENTIONS ALSO ON THE 15 JULY MARTYRS BRIDGE

On the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the police detained 40 people who wanted to hold a protest in the middle of the bridge. It was reported that the group wanted to demonstrate on the bridge to make their voices heard.

INTERVENTION WITH WATER CANNONS AND PEPPER SPRAY

The group that gathered in Mecidiyeköy Square as of 11:00 was intervened with water cannons (TOMA) and pepper spray. The police took harsh measures to disperse those in the area with this intervention.

The Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) and organizations acting in solidarity decided to leave Mecidiyeköy collectively.

NUMBER OF DETAINEES 576

According to Attorney Aydın Başalmaz from the Voice of the Lawyer Initiative (ASİ), who spoke to 12punto, the number of detainees in Istanbul reached 576.

While it was stated that statement-taking procedures would be carried out at the Vatan Security Directorate and Gayrettepe Security Directorate, lawyers were kept waiting in front of the police headquarters for a long time.

Attorney Başalmaz reported that lawyers were being taken inside one by one.

Başalmaz stated, "Even though the lawyer waiting room is empty, we cannot get inside," and added that no information was provided regarding the general condition of the clients.

Here are those lawyers

•Atty. Kerim Bütün

•Atty. Doğan Zafer Çıngı

•Atty. Kıvılcım Çolak

•Atty. Tanya Taş

•Atty. Tacettin Çolak

•Atty. Ayça Okur

•Atty. Halil Ağırgöl

News Source: 12punto