Turkey: Increased security in Ankara June 15

Event

There is an increased police presence throughout the capital Ankara as of Thursday, June 15, following a call by the Republican People's Party (CHP) to hold a protest to denounce the arrest of a politician in Istanbul. The protest has been deemed illegal by the local authorites. The CHP called for the "Justice March" to begin at 11:00 (local time) and run from Ankara's Güvenpark all the way to the Maltepe prison in Istanbul, located some 432 km (268 mi) away. The exact route of the march has yet to be determined.

Due to the current state of emergency, high sociopolitical tensions, and heightened police presence, outbreaks of violence are possible in Ankara as well as along the march route in the coming days.

Context

Enis Berberoglu, the Istanbul politician, was arrested on June 14 and is currently being detained in the Maltepe prison. He has already been sentenced to 25 years of prison for providing a newspaper, Cumhurriyet, with videos of Turkish intelligence officers trucking weapons into Syria.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to avoid all demonstrations and rallies, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, and carry proper identification at all times (e.g. passport).