Turkish police fire tear gas, arrest dozens at May Day rallies
Turkish police used tear gas and made dozens of arrests during May Day demonstrations in Istanbul on May 1, 2026, as protesters attempted to march toward Taksim Square. Authorities had sealed off central areas of the city, deploying riot police and barricades to restrict access. The protests, organized under the slogan 'Bread. Peace. Freedom,' were met with force, particularly when demonstrators from groups like the HKP tried to advance toward restricted zones.
- ▪Turkish police fired tear gas and arrested at least 57 people during May Day protests in Istanbul on May 1, 2026.
- ▪Taksim Square was sealed off by police overnight, preventing demonstrators from marching to the historically significant protest site.
- ▪Two protest groups on Istanbul's European side were specifically targeted after announcing plans to march to Taksim Square.
- ▪In the Mecidiyekoy district, members of the Marxist HKP party were among those met with force while chanting anti-government slogans.
- ▪Turkish authorities issued arrest and search warrants for 62 people ahead of the protests, including journalists, unionists, and opposition figures.
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Turkish police fire tear gas, arrest dozens at May Day ralliesSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxOn May 1, a large deployment of police, many in riot gear, and metal barricades were seen choking access to central neighbourhoods of Istanbul.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 01, 2026, 05:40 PMUpdated May 01, 2026, 05:40 PMISTANBUL – Turkish police on May 1 fired tear gas and arrested dozens of people holding May Day demonstrations in Istanbul, AFP journalists said.Two groups were specially singled out in the city’s European side after signalling their intention to march to Taksim square – the scene of several anti-government protests in the past – which was sealed off overnight by police.Turkish media, including the opposition website Bir Gun, counted at least 57 arrests.May 1,…
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