Mass Protests in Istanbul: Arrests Made

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office has announced that 92 individuals were arrested during a preventive operation ahead of the May Day protests. The operation was carried out by the Istanbul Police Department's anti-terror unit on the order of the prosecutor's office, as reported by MK-Turkey.ru.

The prosecutor's office stated that the purpose of the operation was to identify those suspected of planning provocation and organizing unauthorized protests.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that Taksim Square will once again be closed to protests this year due to security concerns and to maintain public order.

It is worth noting that the arrests are taking place against a backdrop of heightened political tension. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been arrested on suspicion of corruption, money laundering, and connections to terrorism. His arrest has drawn significant protests and criticism from international observers, including the European Union and the Council of Europe.