Turkish security forces dispersed groups with tear gas and prevented a May Day march in Istanbul
Turkish police detained at least 407 people this Friday (May 1, 2026) during Labor Day demonstrations in Istanbul. The information is from CHD (Association of Contemporary Lawyers). Protesters were trying to reach Taksim Square, a traditional protest point in the city. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the groups.
The CHD reported that the demonstrations were repressed by a strong police contingent. In the last update made to its website, the organization stated that 407 people were detained at the Istanbul Police headquarters.
Of these, 360 would be released after police procedures. Preventive arrest warrants were also issued for 47 people who participated in the protest on the Bosphorus Strait Bridge.
407 people are being held in Vatan Police Department. 360 people will be released after security procedures. A presence order was given for 47 people who protested on the Bosphorus Bridge. They will be taken to the prosecutor’s office tomorrow.
The procedures of 169 people will be processed at Gayrettepe police station.
— ÇHD Istanbul Branch (@CHDistanbul_)
“This morning, before May 1st, the political section carried out operations against various political parties, unions and revolutionary institutions. We are following the arrest process. The legitimate struggle of workers on May 1st cannot be criminalized. Long live May 1st!” publicou a CHD.
The authorities mobilized a significant police contingent and installed metal barriers to surround a wide perimeter around the central neighborhoods of the Turkish economic capital.
According to information from , in the Mecidiyeköy neighborhood, members of the HKP (Peoples’ Liberation Party, Marxist) “USA killer, AKP [partido no poder] accomplice”. The act was repressed by police with tear gas.
In the Besiktas neighborhood, located near the Bosphorus Strait, protesters were thrown to the ground by police officers.
📹 Turkish police arrest more than 400 people in May 1st events
👮♂️Protesters were repressed by a strong police contingent during Labor Day events in Istanbul.
👇Watch the video:
— Poder360 (@Poder360)
Unions and associations called for the acts under the motto “Bread, Peace, Freedom”. Since the beginning of the week, Turkish authorities have made dozens of arrests, mainly in the media and opposition movements to the president (Justice and Development Party, right).
