News / World
May Day Protests in Turkey Turn Violent
Turkish protestors attempting to reach Taksim square in Istanbul for a Labor Day rally were met by riot police who fended off the crowd with an arsenal of clubs, tear gas and water cannons.
Police arrested more than 180 protestors, mainly made up of workers and students, while several officers were injured in the clash.
Government officials had banned the rally at Taksim citing problems with security yet protestors insisted on the central location and ignored the order.
As the protestors neared the square police in riot gear were struck by rocks, bricks and bottles, leading to tear gas being launched by police.
The government has banned May Day celebrations at Taksim since 1977; the year a man opened fire and killed 37 people
May 1 had been a day of recognition for Turkish workers but the 1980 military coup led to an end of celebrations for Labor Day.
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