Dozens of arrests made in Turkey ahead of 1 May celebrations, Istanbul prosecutor says
Dozens of Arrests Made in Turkey Ahead of 1 May Celebrations, Istanbul Prosecutor Says
Dozens of arrests made in Turkey – International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1st, has long been a focal point for demonstrations and political activity in Turkey. Ahead of this year’s celebrations, the Istanbul prosecutor’s office announced the arrest of nearly 40 individuals, including journalists, trade unionists, and opposition figures, on Tuesday. The arrests were part of a broader operation targeting groups suspected of planning protests in the city. According to the prosecutor general’s office, 62 people had been issued arrest and search warrants, with 46 deemed “likely to carry out attacks” based on intelligence assessments. Of these, 39 were detained in Istanbul, while the remaining five were apprehended in the neighboring Kocaeli region.
The Turkish Media and Law Society for Freedom (MLSA) highlighted that the police conducted raids at the residence of a lawyer and the offices of two opposition newspapers, Özgür Gelecek and Yeni Demokrasi. These actions involved forceful entry, with the doors “kicked in” during the searches. The MLSA emphasized that such tactics were not uncommon, especially during high-profile political events. A lawyer, Serhat Alan, whose home was searched, confirmed that custody documents for 46 individuals were presented to him. The MLSA noted that the case was under a 24-hour confidentiality order, which restricted access to legal representatives, limiting their ability to consult with detainees or review evidence promptly.
Authorities have historically used May 1st as an opportunity to intensify law enforcement efforts, often leading to widespread detentions. The prosecutor’s statement underscored that the operation was aimed at preventing potential disruptions during the festivities. “This initiative is part of a strategic effort to maintain order and curb dissent in the lead-up to the celebrations,” the office stated. The operation followed previous years’ patterns, where police forces have deployed heavily in central areas, particularly around Taksim Square, to monitor and control public gatherings. Last year, for instance, protests shifted to Kadıköy, resulting in over 400 arrests as security forces sought to contain demonstrations.
The main pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) condemned the recent arrests as an attempt to suppress left-leaning and socialist voices. The party, which holds the third-largest representation in the Turkish parliament, accused the government of targeting “comrades” who advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. “These operations are designed to shrink the space for democratic politics and deepen social tensions,” a DEM spokesperson stated. The party argued that the crackdown was part of a broader strategy to silence opposition movements and restrict free expression, particularly in the media and legal sectors.
MLSA’s statement provided further context, noting that the raids were part of a coordinated effort to preempt any protests. “The police have been actively monitoring key figures and organizations associated with the left-wing movement, with the goal of disrupting their ability to mobilize supporters,” the group said. This includes not only journalists but also activists and union members who have historically played a central role in organizing demonstrations. The 24-hour confidentiality order imposed on the case has raised concerns about transparency, as detainees are unable to access their lawyers or share details about the charges against them immediately.
International Workers’ Day is a symbol of solidarity for labor and social movements, but in Turkey, it has often been associated with clashes between protesters and security forces. The government has justified these measures as necessary to prevent violence and maintain public safety. However, critics argue that the heavy-handed approach stifles legitimate dissent and targets specific groups for political reasons. The arrests on Tuesday are seen as a continuation of this trend, with authorities focusing on those deemed most likely to challenge the status quo.
The DEM’s critique aligns with broader criticisms of the government’s handling of May 1st events. The party stressed that the arrests were not just a response to potential unrest but a calculated move to weaken opposition influence. “By arresting individuals and organizations associated with the left, the government is trying to eliminate alternative narratives and control the narrative around labor rights,” the DEM added. This sentiment was echoed by legal experts and human rights organizations, who warned that such measures could set a precedent for future crackdowns on civil society.
In the days leading up to the May 1st celebrations, the city of Istanbul saw a significant increase in police presence, with checkpoints and surveillance operations ramping up across major thoroughfares. The Taksim Square area, traditionally a hub for protests, was sealed off the previous evening as part of the security preparations. This year’s operation, however, saw a shift in focus, with raids targeting not only public spaces but also private residences and media outlets. The MLSA reported that the lawyer’s home was one of several locations where evidence was collected, indicating a broad scope of the government’s efforts.
Despite the government’s emphasis on maintaining order, the arrests have sparked debate about the balance between security and civil liberties. The 46 individuals labeled as “likely to carry out attacks” are believed to be part of a network organizing demonstrations, though specific details remain under wraps. The confidentiality order has limited the ability of legal representatives to provide timely support, raising questions about the fairness of the process. As the May 1st events approach, the tension between the state and civil society continues to escalate, with activists and journalists warning of a potential wave of further detentions.
Historically, International Workers’ Day in Turkey has been a platform for expressing political grievances, particularly among the country’s left-leaning and Kurdish communities. The 2026 arrests reflect a pattern of preemptive actions taken to curb these expressions before they can gain momentum. With over 400 arrests recorded in 2025, the government’s strategy has been to isolate dissenting voices and control the narrative surrounding labor and social movements. This year’s operation, while smaller in scale, is seen as a continuation of that approach, aiming to disrupt plans for peaceful protests and consolidate power in the lead-up to the holiday.
