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As in theprevious years, no celebrations were allowed in Taksim Square and the square was closed by the police blockade from all sides.
The Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Public Workers Unions (KESK), the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects Chambers (TMMOB) commemorated those who were murdered on 1 May 1977 in Kazancı Slope in Taksim. At least 34 people lost their lives during the 1 May 1977 celebrations in Turkey. Till today, those responsible for the massacre have not been charged.
Presenting the joint statement on behalf of the organising unions and chambers, DİSK Chairman Arzu Çerkezoğlu stated that they were gathered in the square to commemorate their lost comrades who died 44 years ago. “We gave our promise to our comrades and we will continue to struggle till the end”, she said.
Celebrations were also held in the Diyarbakir (Amed) province of Turkey. Amed Labour and Democracy Platform gathered for their ‘1May’ celebration in Dağkapı Square. The Platform drew attention to the ongoing economic crisis in Turkey and the oppression taking place against all democratic forces. They chanted slogans celebrating 1 May.
In Van (Wan), police blockaded the DİSK building and did not allow anyone to leave the building to celebrate 1 May.
Syndicates, political party members and activists who gathered in the capital Ankara as part of the ‘1 May Labour Day’ were assaulted by the police. The protestors made their press statements despite the attack and drew attention to the fact that although the government is announcing a full lockdown, working-class people continue to work in factories. They also mentioned the workers who have died in their workplaces, noting that the government has not been protecting the lives of workers.
