Turkey: Student activists protesting in Istanbul's Kadikoy district Jan 6. after governor bans actions near Bosphorus University /update 1

Event

Student and faculty activists associated with the group Bosphorus Solidarity (Bogazici Dayanismasi) are protesting at Rihtim Square in Istanbul's Kadikoy District Jan. 6. The demonstration was originally slated to take place starting at 1400 in front of the South Campus Gate at Bosphorus University (Bogazici Universitesi); however, Istanbul's governor issued orders prohibiting all such gatherings in the Besiktas and Sariyer districts, where the university's two campuses are located. Activists subsequently marched through the city, boarded ferries, and relocated to the Kadikoy venue. Several thousand people are reportedly participating in the protest.

Authorities have deployed a heavy police presence in the vicinity of Rihtim Square. Although no security incidents have as yet been reported, a related gathering that took place on Jan. 4 ended in clashes with police, as officers resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Similar confrontations cannot be ruled out during the Jan. 6 event.

Context

The purpose of the action is to condemn the appointment of Dr. Melih Bulu as Bosphorus University's new president. Student activists are opposed to Bulu as the institute's president since he was appointed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rather than being selected internally. Bulu had also been a candidate for Parliament on the AKP ticket during Turkey's 2015 elections. Critics assert his appointment is a political move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, rather than a decision based on the interests of academia.

Advice

Avoid the area of Rihtim Square in Istanbul's Kadikoy District until the demonstration ends and all participants have vacated the area. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.