For many days, the Turkish government is doing its best in order to prevent our legal rights in Taksim Square for May Day celebration via untrue provocation allegations. Today thousands of workers from DİSK, KESK and some trade unions from TÜRK-İŞ and many people have met in İstanbul in different places. Hundreds of workers came to İstanbul from different cities of Turkey. However the riot police assaulted the people met in front of the headquarter of DİSK. The building of DİSK is under blockade and is full of gas. Police is using teargas and water cannons. Many workers are injured and are arrested. The streets are under blockade.
For many days, the İstanbul Governor said to use “proportional” violence if the workers celebrated May Day in Taksim Square. But all of us knows the meaning of this “proportional”. The squares can not be prohibited for workers that wanted to commemorate the May Day in 1977 when 37 people were killed.
We insisting on taking Taksim square by carrying our carnations. We demand to remove this blockade and to celebrate May Day in a peaceful and democratic atmosphere.
In order not to confront with unavoidable and fatal consequences, we believe in the emergency of the intervention to this anti-democratic situation. We believe that your solidarity and support is very important and provide an important contribution to our struggle.
Thank you very much for your solidarity and support.
Tayfın Görgün Abdurrahman Daşdemir
General Secretary General Secretary
DİSK KESK
