Protests for May Day, the international workers' holiday, are an annual occurrence in Turkey and have in the past been characterized by widespread police actions against demonstrators. Protests were expected to be more subdued this year after unions said they would not attempt to march on Taksim Square, a traditional rallying point for anti-government protests that has been declared off-limits for demonstrators. Tensions are particularly high after President Tayyip Erdogan narrowly won a referendum last month giving him sweeping new powers. Police in the Mecidiyekoy neighborhood used tear gas and rubber bullets on a group of protesters who were attempting to march toward Taksim Square. Two demonstrators who managed to reach it were detained shortly after they unfurled a banner, Dogan news agency said.

Source: bd News24 May 01, 2017 10:18 UTC