Demonstrations featuring singing banned in Ankara

ANKARA

AFP photo

The Ankara Governor’s Office has banned demonstrations featuring “singing of songs, ballads, anthems and slogans voiced in a loud and disturbing way” after sunset, in accordance with the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches, according to an announcement released on May 26.  

“It is observed that all across Ankara province, after sunset, fires are set until late at night and demonstrations where songs, ballads, anthems, slogans, etc. are chanted very loudly is disturbing the surroundings,” the announcement said.

“This situation unsettles our citizens, disturbs the public order and security, increases the risk of terror organizations to carry out bomb attacks against groups demonstrating, and makes it hard for security forces to intervene in such events,” it said, adding that such demonstrations, including press releases and meetings, were banned as a result. 

Legal procedures would be undertaken against those who do not abide by the law, the statement further noted.