May Day Melee: Turkish Protesters Defy Ban, Police Respond With Tear Gas

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In this photo from May 1, 2014, a protester fires fireworks at a line of police while flashing the "V" sign, which presumably stands for peace.

Image: Emrah Gurel/Associated Press

By Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai2014-05-01 17:07:51 UTC

May Day in Istanbul has historically been one of protests, and this year's was no different.

All across Istanbul on Thursday, Turks — both those in labor unions as well as unaffiliated citizens — took to the streets of Turkey's largest city to protest against the government's ban on a traditional May Day march.

Authorities had announced several restrictions in the days leading up to May 1 aiming to stop the demonstration, such as restricting public transportation and setting up street closures that closed off access to Taksim Square, where protesters traditionally gather. Istanbul's Hurrityet Daily News reported that the city was prepared to deploy 40,000 police officers.

But despite the heavy security, thousands of protesters flooded the streets, leading to violent clashes across the city. Riot police responded with force, using water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas to break up the crowds, according to multiple news reports.

By late evening local time, the authorities said at least 142 protesters had been detained and 90 people were injured.