Istanbul Governor Gül: Do not participate in illegal events

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that, in accordance with Law No. 2911, events such as meetings and demonstration marches are permitted if notified at least 48 hours in advance, and that security measures are taken accordingly, calling on citizens not to participate in illegal events.

Governor Gül made a statement on his social media account regarding the meeting and demonstration march areas in the city.

Stating that there are 40 legal areas designated for meetings and demonstration marches in Istanbul, Gül noted the following:

"In accordance with Law No. 2911, events are permitted and security measures are taken if they are notified at least 48 hours in advance. However, some individuals and groups organize events without using these legal areas and without making the necessary applications, and they invite citizens to these illegal events as well. Such events disrupt public order, endanger the safety of our citizens, and bring our citizens face-to-face with the police. I kindly request that our citizens do not participate in illegal events in order to avoid confrontation with the police, to prevent any grievances, and to protect public order."

In his statement, Governor Gül also included the following expression from Article 34 of the Constitution and Law No. 2911: "Everyone has the right to organize unarmed and peaceful meetings and demonstration marches without prior permission. The right to hold meetings and demonstration marches can only be restricted by law for the purposes of national security, public order, prevention of crime, protection of public health and public morals, or the rights and freedoms of others. The form, conditions, and procedures to be applied in the exercise of the right to organize meetings and demonstration marches are specified in the law."