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May Day marchers arrested in Istanbul
Patrick Rhys Atack
Europe;Turkey
A protestor is engulfed in tear gas. /Umit Bektas/Reuters

A protestor is engulfed in tear gas. /Umit Bektas/Reuters

 

More than 200 May Day marchers have been arrested in Turkey following scuffles with police in Istanbul. 

Riot police met marchers at the city's Taksim Square, which is often a focal point for protests and activists. Videos show people being detained, including organizers wearing bright yellow bibs. 

The Istanbul governor's office later confirmed 212 arrests were made. Officials added that some trade unions had been permitted to gather on the traditional workers' holiday, but many more arrived in contravention of current COVID-19 restrictions. 

 

 

The government in Ankara imposed a 17-day lockdown this week amid an increase in infections. Schools and businesses are closed, and the government has recommended that people should stay at home. 

The Anadolu news agency reported a further 20 arrests were made in the southern city Izmir. 

Source(s): Reuters

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