Over 500 detained in Istanbul for defying May Day ban

ISTANBUL, May 1 (Xinhua/GNA) – More than 500 people were detained in Istanbul on Friday, for defying a ban on May Day rallies in restricted areas, local authorities said.

The Istanbul Governor’s Office said security forces intervened, when demonstrators tried to reach Taksim Square, which was closed to demonstrations, detaining 575 individuals in total as of 6:00 p.m. local time (1500 GMT).

Security remained tight across the city throughout the day, with police cordoning off key areas to enforce the ban. Public transportation to the city center was also partially suspended, to prevent unauthorized gatherings.

Taksim Square holds symbolic significance for trade unions and leftist groups, as 34 workers were killed in a stampede and gunfire there during May Day celebrations in 1977.

While mass rallies were prohibited in the square, authorities allowed limited delegations from major labor unions to lay wreaths at the Taksim Republic Monument, to honor the anniversary.
GNA

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