Labor Day demonstrations in Istanbul witnessed the Turkish police arresting hundreds of people and using tear gas to disperse a number of them. Unions and civil society organizations had called for demonstrations on May 1 under the slogan “Bread, Peace, Freedom.”

Published on: 01/05/2026 - 13:24 Last updated: 01/05/2026 - 14:11

Turkish police detained hundreds of people after participating in May Day demonstrations in Istanbul.

Two groups were specifically targeted on the European side of the city after they announced their intention to head to Taksim Square, which has previously witnessed many anti-government protests and which was cordoned off by police at night.

According to the Turkish Progressive Lawyers Association, the number of people arrested reached 370 in the early afternoon hours in the major city, as police used tear gas from riot control vehicles to disperse the crowds.

"News of peace and freedom"

Labor Day, on May 1, witnesses an intense security deployment in Türkiye every year, as a large area in the heart of Istanbul around Taksim Square is cordoned off.

Last year, protests spread to the Kadikoy district of the city, where more than 400 people were arrested.

On Friday, an intense security deployment was recorded, with security personnel wearing riot gear, in addition to erecting metal barriers that impede access to the central neighborhoods of Istanbul.

Unions and civil society organizations had called for demonstrations on May 1 under the slogan “Bread, Peace, Freedom.”

Earlier this week, Turkish authorities issued arrest and search warrants against 62 people, considering 46 of them, including journalists, trade unionists and opposition figures, “likely to carry out attacks.”

France 24/AFP

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