Turkey: Kurds clash with security forces in Istanbul and southern city of Diyarbakir
Clashes took place during Nevruz celebrations as Kurdish activists requested that holiday rallies be authorized for Sunday, three days before the actual holiday, likely in order to allow for higher participation. The request was not authorized and thus resulted in police use of tear-gas and water-cannons against protesters. In Istanbul, protesters responded with rock throwing as they were prevented from reaching the Kazlicesme area.
Due to the chance of further violent protests, we recommend avoiding all large gatherings related to the Nevruz festivities scheduled until March 23. The country’s southeastern area should be avoided as a basic security precaution due to heightened security risk following militants and military activity.
