Strict Measures in Istanbul for May Day: Arrests and Road Closures
May 1, 2025
The Turkish police conducted hundreds of arrests of protesters in Istanbul as strict measures were implemented for May Day. Over 52,000 police officers were deployed to prevent marches and demonstrations, primarily in Taksim Square. This square has historical significance for May Day protests, and road closures persisted throughout much of the day. Politicians like Ozgür Özel expressed concerns about the authoritarianism of the government.