Now the era of masked police: A striking detail from the May 1st demonstrations
The 580 people detained during unauthorized demonstrations held in Istanbul on May 1st have been released. The fact that police officers covered their faces with masks during the interventions was one of the most striking details of the operations.
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The process regarding the individuals detained following interventions against unauthorized demonstrations held at various locations in Istanbul as part of May 1st has been completed. A total of 580 people, whose processing at police units was finished, were released upon the instructions of the prosecutor's office.
LARGE-SCALE INTERVENTION CARRIED OUT
Interventions were carried out against groups attempting to enter areas previously announced as prohibited zones by the Istanbul Governor's Office and the Istanbul Police Department. A total of 580 people, consisting of corteges attempting to march to Taksim Square and groups gathered in side streets, were taken into custody. The detained individuals were taken to various police units for checks and processing.
STATEMENTS AND IDENTIFICATION COMPLETED
Following the statement-taking and fingerprinting procedures that continued throughout the night, the status of the detainees was evaluated. As of the morning of May 2nd, all individuals for whom no additional detention period was requested or who were not referred to the courthouse were released.
POLICE COVERING THEIR FACES DREW ATTENTION
The fact that the police officers involved in the interventions during the demonstrations covered their faces with masks was among the notable elements. It was observed that some police officers on duty during the actions covered their faces to prevent being recognized.
Hüsnü Bozkurt, Chairman of the Kemalist Thought Association (ADD), reacted to this situation via his social media account. In his post, Bozkurt reacted to the situation by saying, 'Is it now the era of MASKED POLICE?'