The Istanbul Governor’s Office banned entry to and exit from Taksim Square for International Workers’ Day (May Day). Despite the ban, numerous political parties, labor and youth organizations decided to march to Taksim. So far, at least 79 people have been detained while trying to reach the square.

 

POLICE VIOLENCE AND DETENTIONS IN MECIDIYEKOY

 

Members of the Social Freedom Party (TÖP) who first gathered in Mecidiyeköy were surrounded by police. At least seven people, including TÖP Spokespersons Board member Juliana Gözen, were detained.

 

Later, at least 15 members of the Socialist Solidarity Platform (SODAP), the Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF), and Student Solidarity were detained after being beaten by police in Mecidiyeköy. Around 20 members of People’s Houses (HE) were also surrounded. The crowd protesting the blockade faced police violence, and 20 more people were detained.

 

A group of around 100 people, including Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) Chair Erkan Baş, broke through a police barricade using kicks and punches. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. The group remains surrounded, chanting slogans such as “Long live May Day/Bijî 1 Gulan,” “Long live Taksim,” “Youth will hold the AKP accountable,” and “Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance.” Among those supporting the group are Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MPs Kezban Konukçu and Özgül Saki, as well as Partizan readers.

 

Meanwhile, members of the People’s Liberation Party (HKP) attempting to march to Taksim from Beşiktaş were also attacked by police. At least 37 HKP members were detained.

 

Despite the police blockade, the crowd’s resistance continues.