Turkey: Students protesting in Istanbul Jan. 7

Event

Students are protesting outside the Caglayan court building in Sisli District the early afternoon of Jan. 7 to demand the release of fellow activists who have been detained during recent demonstrations at the Bosphorus University (Bogazici Universitesi). Authorities have deployed a heavy police presence in the vicinity of the protest and associated security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Clashes between activists and police are possible. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat.

Context

Several thousand activists attended related demonstrations at the Bosphorus University and in the Kadikoy District Jan. 4 and 6. Clashes with police were reported Jan. 4, as officers resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Dozens of protesters have since been arrested. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming days, which could be well attended. Students and faculty at other academic institutions, including Istanbul Technical University and Ankara's Middle East Technical University, could stage separate demonstrations in solidarity with activists at Bosphorus University.

Students associated with the group Bosphorus Solidarity (Bogazici Dayanismasi) are protesting to condemn the appointment of Dr. Melih Bulu as the president of the Bosphorus University. Many students are opposed to his appointment by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rather than his 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 all related demonstrations in the coming days and exercise caution in the vicinity of Bosphorus University. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local security personnel and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.