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Added on the 01/05/2023 11:00:55 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Riot police clash with May Day protesters in Istanbul's Sarachane neighbourhood, with tens of thousands of officers deployed across the city to clamp down on similar gatherings. Istanbul's central Taksim Square was closed to rallies after 2013 demonstrations against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, a move that was ruled a violation of rights by Turkey's top constitutional court in 2023. Protesters and a number of opposition politicians have called for the square to be reopened to labour rallies. IMAGES
Turkish police have sealed off Istanbul's central Taksim Square to prevent any May Day protests, with scuffles breaking out in the nearby Besiktas district after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned unions to stay away from any provocative steps. The stepped-up security measures come a day after Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said authorities had designated 40 areas for May Day celebrations with the exception of the emblematic Taksim Square. IMAGES
A crowd of demonstrators gathers in Istanbul to protest against the arrest of Sebnem Korur Fincanci, head of the Turkish Medical Association. The police forcefully disperse the protesters and journalists using their riot shields. Turkish police arrested Fincanci after she called for a probe into the army's alleged use of chemical weapons against Kurdish militants, prosecutors said. IMAGES
Russian police make arrests during the May Day demonstrations in St. Petersburg. IMAGES
Pro-Palestinian protesters jump across a fence near the United Center arena, the venue for the Democratic National Convention, as police attempt to clear the area and arrest at least one protester. IMAGES
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.