May Day riots mar Turkish free speech reforms
Thursday, 01 May 2008 14:03
May Day demonstrations have taken place in Istanbul
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May Day demonstrations in Turkey's capital city Istanbul have marred a vote by the Turkish parliament to reform laws restricting free speech yesterday.
On Wednesday, the country's parliament backed a government proposal to amend Article 301, which bars the denigration of Turkish identity or institutions.
The EU backed the move, releasing a statement claiming: "This is a constructive step forward in ensuring freedom of expression and we look forward to its effective implementation.
"This step is both positive for Turkey and an indication of Turkey's continuing commitment to the reform process."
However, there have been fierce clashes today between labour activists trying to gather in Istanbul's Taksim Square to mark May Day and riot police.
Tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse crowds in different areas of Turkey's capital, the Al Jazeera news agency has reported.
Reports suggest authorities have warned they will use force to prevent the rallies, which have been banned in the country since 1977.
At least 34 demonstrators were killed during clashes in Taksim Square on May 1st 1977.
Al Jazeera quoted Suleyman Celebi, the leader of Turkey's main left-wing labour confederation DISK, as saying: "Istanbul was transformed into a prison and unimaginable methods of violence were used to stop those celebrating May Day."