Newroz celebrations across Turkey, including in cities like İzmir, Van, Hakkari and notably Istanbul’s Yenikapı square, attracted widespread participation. However, the aftermath of these celebrations was tainted by numerous detentions and assaults on journalists by the Turkish police.
The police were recorded kicking individuals on the ground and coercing them to display their social media posts and phone galleries, while a journalist filming the incident faced intimidation from the officers.
The celebrations, organised by the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK), Free Women’s Movement (TJA) and Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, began with enthusiasm, featuring banners proclaiming “It’s Time for Freedom” and participants donning traditional attire. Despite initial obstructions by the police, the event proceeded with the Peace Mothers and Justice Watch Mothers lighting the Newroz fire, a symbol of struggle and resistance.
Tuncer Bakırhan, Co-chair of the DEM Party, addressed the gathering, emphasising Newroz as a defiance against the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) government, echoing the voices of political prisoners and calling for dialogue to resolve the Kurdish issue. Bakırhan promised, ‘One day, we will end this isolation,’ referring to the conditions under which the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan is held.
However, the post-celebration dispersal saw a harsh police crackdown, leading to several detentions. Several reporters from various outlets covering the event were among those attacked, with reports of excessive force used by the police.
This incident not only overshadowed the Newroz spirit but also raised concerns about press freedom and the right to peaceful assembly in Turkey.
