New statement on May 1st from Interior Minister Yerlikaya: 'It is not a ban'

May 1st, a day when thousands of workers gather every year to voice their union rights and organize marches and events, will once again not be celebrated in Taksim Square this year.

In his statement regarding the prohibition, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noted that the inability to celebrate May 1st in Taksim is not a ban but a restriction that has been ongoing for 7 years, indicating that, as has been the case since 2012, May 1st will not be celebrated in Taksim Square this year either.

Responding to journalists' questions at the reception held in the Parliament Ceremony Hall for the 104th anniversary of the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day and the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Yerlikaya emphasized that the Constitutional Court's decision should be read carefully when asked about the statement announced by the Istanbul Governor's Office, which included references to Constitutional Court rulings.

Yerlikaya stated that he had read the Constitutional Court's decision and mentioned that DISK President Arzu Çerkezoğlu and her colleagues had visited him, and that they had read it together.

Yerlikaya expressed that, therefore, under Law No. 2911, all previously designated squares in Istanbul and all other cities are open for rallies if an application is made, but that there is no total ban regarding Taksim, only a partial restriction that has been applied for 7 years.

Stating that he also met with the heads of the confederations, Yerlikaya expressed their desire for May 1st to be celebrated in a positive manner.

"WHICHEVER RALLY SQUARE THEY WANT IS AT THEIR DISPOSAL"

Minister Yerlikaya stated, "They will make appointments for 100 people each to lay wreaths, hold a moment of silence, and make press statements in Taksim; we have granted all of them appointments, and the appointments are still open. Regarding the rally, whichever rally square they want, whether in Istanbul or other provinces, is at their disposal."

News Source: AA