Police embargo on CHP's Palestine protest

Following the CHP's announcement of a protest in support of Palestine, the Taksim Station on the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman Metro Line and the F1 Taksim-Kabataş Funicular Line were closed by the decision of the Istanbul Governor's Office. Entry and exit to Istiklal Avenue are being conducted under heavy police control.

Intensive security measures have also been taken in the Taksim area.

While entry and exit to Istiklal Avenue are being controlled, the Taksim Station on the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman Metro Line and the F1 Taksim-Kabataş Funicular Line were closed as of 17:00.

ALL STREETS CLOSED

CHP Istanbul will march in Taksim with the slogan "Free Palestine from the river to the sea!" to say no to genocide, massacre, and displacement in Gaza. The Governor's Office did not approve the route for the CHP's march for Gaza. Metro stations were closed. Streets leading to Taksim were closed.

ÖZGÜR ÇELİK: WE WILL SHOUT LOUDER

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik announced that they would not refrain from holding the protest despite the transportation restrictions.

Çelik made the following statement on his social media account:

"A massacre has taken place in Gaza where 50 thousand people have lost their lives. Now, plans for the displacement of Palestinians are being made.

Those who reap political gain from the Palestinian Cause during election times are now silent!

They closed the metro stations leading to Taksim and Şişhane to block the protest we are organizing in support of Palestine. They are obstructing the transportation rights of millions of our citizens. We will not allow this hypocrisy, this arbitrariness.

At 19:00, we will shout louder from Tünel to Taksim:

No to genocide!

No to massacre!

No to displacement!

Long live a Free Palestine!

Long live a Fully Independent Turkey!

Long live Peace!"

News Source: 12punto