Türkiye - April 2024

The Istanbul Governor’s Office announced on 29 April that May Day demonstrations would not be allowed in Taksim Square, despite the Constitutional Court recently ruling that such a ban is unconstitutional. May Day demonstrations in Taksim Square have been forbidden in Istanbul since 2013, with all roads and public transport to the Square being blocked to prevent people from gathering. This prohibition has faced criticism for curtailing the right to peaceful assembly, prompting Turkish trade unions to challenge it in the Constitutional Court. In December 2023, the Constitutional Court ruled that the ban contravenes the Turkish constitution. The Istanbul Governor’s Office cited concerns for public safety as justification for upholding the ban. Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and labour unions urged adherence to the Constitutional Court's ruling. Rallies were organized despite the ban, and hundreds were detained.  Taksim Square, Istanbul’s main square, holds symbolic significance as the site where 34 demonstrators were killed during May Day protests in 1977. 

Sources: Duvar (1), Turkish Minute, Turkish Minute (2), Duvar (2), Amnesty International, Reuters, Al Jazeera