Police restrict access to Taksim amid women's rights demonstration calls

Women's groups declared they would defy the protest ban imposed by the Istanbul Governor's Office for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day due to the potential infiltration of "terror-affiliated persons." Police closed the Istiklal Avenue to pedestrians.

Monday November 25 2024 07:50 pm

Police detains some protesters and batters journalists on Istiklal Avenue.

Duvar English

Turkish police on Nov. 25 surrounded women attempting to gather at Taksim Tunnel and march to Istiklal Avenue to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Officers warned the group, saying, "If you do not disperse, you will be detained." Women chanted, "We will not stay silent, we are not afraid, we will not obey." Police intervened, detaining some protesters.

After the 25 November Women's Platform called for the demonstration, the Istanbul Governor’s Office banned all events related to the day within the Beyoğlu district on November 25 and 26. Women’s organizations announced they would not recognize the ban and planned to gather at 7:00 p.m. in Taksim Tunnel.

Officials cited the area's historical and touristic significance, its status as a hub for foreign consulates and religious sites, and its heavy local and international foot traffic. They stated that Taksim and Istiklal are not designated routes for marches or demonstrations to maintain public order and prevent potential disruptions.

Authorities also expressed concerns that individuals linked to “terrorist activities” could “infiltrate groups and exploit events for their purposes.”

Istanbul police closed the province’s central Taksim Square and the Şişhane area of Istiklal Avenue to pedestrian access. Officers conducted ID checks at entry points, allowing only residents and guests staying in the area to pass. Those already on Istiklal Avenue were escorted outside the area by police.

The usually bustling tourist hub Istiklal Avenue is seen empty after police evacuates the area anticipating protestors.

Hundreds of police officers, detention buses, and water cannons were stationed in preparation.

The We Will Stop Femicides platform reported that October 2024 marked the highest number of femicides recorded in Turkey in a single month since 2010 with 48 deaths, when the platform began to collect data.

The platform has recorded at least 343 femicides in Turkey since the beginning of 2024, and 207 suspicious women's deaths.