Posters of terrorist leader Öcalan were displayed: Statement from the Istanbul Governor's Office regarding the Newroz event in Yenikapı

Following the detention and arrest of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, law enforcement intervened harshly in protest actions in Istanbul. While footage emerged showing police using disproportionate force during the İmamoğlu protests, the display of posters of terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan and the chanting of slogans in favor of the terrorist organization PKK at the Newroz event in Istanbul's Yenikapı district caused public outrage.

The Istanbul Governor's Office announced that legal action has been initiated against 28 individuals who chanted illegal slogans and displayed banners at the Newroz events in Yenikapı, and that a criminal complaint has been filed against the members of the organizing committee.

The statement from the Governor's Office noted that the organizing committee had submitted an application to the Governor's Office on March 5, requesting permission for a Newroz celebration at the Yenikapı Event Area on March 23.

The statement further noted that, as a result of the evaluations, the necessary permission was granted on the condition that relevant legislation be followed, no stands or tents be set up in or around the event area, and no magazines or publications be exhibited, and included the following remarks:

"During the event held on Sunday, March 23, necessary warnings were issued to the organizing committee upon the detection of the display of visuals containing criminal content, the chanting of slogans containing criminal elements, and the opening of posters and banners. Despite the warnings issued, the necessary measures under the responsibility of the organizing committee were not taken. Our security forces have initiated legal proceedings against 28 people who chanted illegal slogans and displayed banners, and have filed a criminal complaint against the members of the organizing committee with judicial authorities."