Istanbul A Battleground: Police Attacks Workers Since Dawn – Hospitals On Alert

Workers started to come to DISK headquarters in Sisli, Istanbul where all union members were to gather before marching to Taksim square to celebrate May Day. Some were inside the DISK building resting, while others sat outside and started the celebration early by singing.

Large numbers of police blockaded the building and the surrounding area and moved to disperse the workers beginning at 6:30 AM. Since then, police has been attacking workers and other participants in the rally by use of pepper gas, pressured water and batons in various locations of Istanbul. The city is under police siege and force is being used to prevent any gathering, anywhere.

Turkish media says that the scenes remind the period prior to September 12 [1980] military coup. It is said that many CHP, DTP and ODP MPs and officials are also inside DISK building where harshest attacks are taking place. Istanbul's hospitals are put on high alert.

Source: Vatan, Milliyet, Hurriyet, May 1, 2008

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