Turkey: Students to protest in Guvenpark, Ankara, Jan. 8

Event

Students are planning to protest in Ankara Jan. 8 to show support for protesting students at the Bosphorus University (Bogazici Universitesi) in Istanbul. Participants will gather at 1400 in Guvenpark.

Police are almost certain to deploy in the vicinity and associated security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Public demonstrations are currently prohibited under ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions and several people were arrested when police dispersed a related protest outside the National Library in Ankara Jan. 6. Police could therefore move to disperse the Jan. 8 protest, which could prompt clashes with demonstrators. Police could resort to forceful methods, including tear gas, baton charges, and water cannon, if resisted. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat.

Context

Students associated with the group Bosphorus Solidarity (Bogazici Dayanismasi) in Istanbul 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 Guvenpark on the afternoon of Jan. 8. Remain alert for and avoid all related demonstrations in the coming days. 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.