Turkish prosecutors seek 567 years in prison in total for Istanbul Workers' Day march
In recently prepared two indictments regarding the Workers’ Day march in Istanbul, Turkish prosecutors have sought up to 567 years in prison in total for 42 arrested people who are facing charges of “opposition to the law on demonstrations,””'resisting to prevent the execution of duty,” “intentional injury,” and “damage to public property.”
Duvar English
The Terror and Organized Crime Investigation Bureau of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared two indictments regarding the May 1 Workers’ Day march held in Istanbul.
The authorities have sought up to 567 years in prison in total for 42 arrested people.
The defendants are facing charges of “opposition to the law on demonstrations,””'resisting to prevent the execution of duty,” “intentional injury,” and “damage to public property.”
Some 217 protestors were detained during the Workers' Day celebrations in Istanbul, as the Governor’s Office banned celebrations in the iconic Taksim Square and imposed major public transportation and road closures.
Police had detained 247 more people from their residences the following morning, claiming they “attacked” police officers during the march.
The protestors seeked to celebrate May 1 Workers’ Day in the Taksim Square.
Labor unions’ call to march to Taksim Square was amplified by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Accordingly, protesters gathered at the party headquarters in Istanbul’s Saraçhane district, aiming to march to Taksim Square some four kilometers away.
The march was cut off by the police barricades upon Atatürk Boulevard, blocking the road to Taksim Square.
The crowd demanded passage and had a stand-off with police, who responded with tear gas. The organizing committee decided to call off the march, and no longer pursue Taksim Square to prevent further scuffle.