01.05.2026 10:20
Police intervened against members of the People's Liberation Party who wanted to march to Taksim for May Day Labor and Solidarity Day. Many people were detained during the scuffle.
May Day, Labor and Solidarity Day celebrations started tensely this year as well. Despite the ban imposed by the Istanbul Governorate, police intervened in a group that attempted to march to Taksim.
MANY IN CUSTODY
A major scuffle occurred between members of the People's Liberation Party and police teams, with footage from the area showing police taking many individuals into custody.
ISTANBUL GOVERNORATE'S MAY DAY STATEMENT
The Istanbul Governorate announced that events in Kadıköy Rıhtım Square and Kartal Square are permitted for May Day, while all forms of protests and activities are banned in Beyoğlu, Şişli, Fatih, and Beşiktaş throughout the day.
In a statement from the Governorate, it was noted that May Day would be celebrated in Istanbul with various events, as in the rest of the world. The statement said: "In this context, DİSK, KESK, TMMOB and TTB have officially applied to our Governorate for Kadıköy Rıhtım Square, and TKP for Kartal Square. Following our evaluations, these applications have been approved. Within the framework of May Day celebrations, DİSK, KESK, TMMOB and TTB will hold their programs at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square between 10:00-17:00, and TKP at Kartal Square between 12:00-19:00. No other May Day programs will be held across our province outside these events."
"MARCHES AND STATEMENTS BANNED IN BEYOĞLU, ŞİŞLİ, FATİH, AND BEŞİKTAŞ"
Referring to the measures taken, the statement said: "To ensure Istanbul experiences May Day in peace, our Governorate has banned all types of rallies, press statements, open-air meetings, protest marches, tent setups, booth openings, sit-ins, signature campaigns, commemoration ceremonies, and similar actions and events in the districts of Beyoğlu, Şişli, Fatih, and Beşiktaş between 00:01 and 23:59 on Friday, May 1, in accordance with the obligations arising from Articles 11(a) and (c) of Provincial Administration Law No. 5442 and Articles 17 and 19 of the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches No. 2911."
CRITICAL CALL TO CITIZENS
The statement noted that no unauthorized demonstrations, marches, protests, or organizations will be allowed except for permitted rallies and celebrations across the province, and all necessary measures in this regard will be taken by relevant units. Citizens were asked to show sensitivity regarding such provocative actions, demonstrations, and other illegal activities.