Police intervention in May Day protests in Istanbul

In Istanbul the largest city of a country where “advanced democracy” prevails, the government has not allowed crowds to celebrate “Labor Day” at Taksim Square, the main center of the city due to unsuitable physical conditions of the place.

Local authorities took precautions to prevent any illegal (!) gathering at Taksim Square for May Day, after the government denied union requests to mark the holiday at the iconic square.

Despite shut down of the roads and public transport (almost a curfew), tens of thousands of laborers from Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DİSK) and their supporters gathered early today at Şişli in order to march to iconic Taksim square for May Day celebrations.

The square was closed to all access due to government’s decision with the excuse there was heavy construction going on at the square. Although some officials from unions negotiated with police officials to persuuade them to allow crowds to the square, police insisted the gathering was illegal and the group should disperse.

As expected and signaled by the Governor on Tuesday as well, Police started to use pressurized water and tear gas to scatter the groups, which included members of socialist groups, anarchists, the supporters of the outlawed DHKP-C after a final warning had been issued at Istanbul’s central Şişli district.

Citizens were affected by the tear gas and escaped into apartments but even those staying at home with closed windows were affected. The center of the town was under a cloud of tear gas and even police officers and reporters using gas masks were affected from the generously used gas.

Clashes continued in alleys surrounding the centers. Police kept using tear gas while the demonstrators continued to throw stones and fireworks at the police.

01.05.2013
SOURCE: MEDIA