PodcastIstanbul district bans all demonstrations ahead of International Women's Day
Authorities in Istanbul's central Beyoğlu district banned all events for 24 hours, citing public order concerns ahead of the Feminist Night March planned in Taksim. Streets and squares would also be closed to all traffic, in what has now become a routine practice.
Duvar English
The Beyoğlu District Governor’s Office in Istanbul announced that all events, including meetings, demonstrations, press statements, leaflet distribution, and sit-in protests, were banned for 24 hours starting at 8 a.m. on March 8, International Women’s Day.
Women's organizations had called for the traditional Feminist Night March to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sıraselviler Avenue in the district.
In a statement from the district governor’s office, officials said that the event "may lead to actions that could disrupt public order and social peace," and was thus banned in accordance with Article 17 of the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations.
The office also announced "security measures" to be taken in the area as of 12 p.m.. Accordingly, Taksim Square, Gezi Park, İstiklal Avenue and its side streets, as well as Tünel Square and its surroundings, the Sıraselviler Avenue, the Karaköy Square and its surroundings will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The Beyoğlu Governor regularly bans public demonstrations ahead of significant days, such as the Women's Day, Pride Week, or the Gezi Park Protests anniversaries.
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