ISTANBUL, May 2 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkish police, on Friday, detained at least 38 people, who intended to stage unauthorised marches to central Istanbul, to mark International Workers’ Day, media reported.
Gathering in at least three separate districts, several groups attempted to march towards the iconic Taksim Square, despite the curfew declared against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police intervened and apprehended at least 38 people, including some members and a leader of the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions, according to the report.
Those detained were later released, a statement of the Istanbul Governorship stated.
Meanwhile, various trade unions, with permission from the governor’s office, left wreaths in Taksim Square, by following the social distancing rule, to curb the possible spread of the COVID-19.
The square has a symbolic meaning for the trade unions and leftist groups, as 34 workers were killed during May Day celebrations in 1977, in shots fired from a nearby building.– NNN-ANADOLU
