US issues security warning over marches on Turkey’s Republic Day

ISTANBUL

The U.S. Department of State has issued a security warning over marches on Turkey’s Republic Day on Oct. 29.

“The U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that several political groups have announced that their supporters will march in Ankara from the old Parliament building in Ulus to the Anitkabir mausoleum on Oct. 29, 2016.

“The governorate of Ankara has banned all demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings in the Province of Ankara, inclusive of the city of Ankara, until November 30, 2016, citing security concerns.  Thus, simply being at or near a public gathering could lead to your arrest or detention by Turkish authorities.

“Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of large gatherings, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” the Department of State said in a statement posted on Oct. 27.

U.S. Embassy Ankara also informed U.S. citizens that local media announced Republic Day gatherings in Cumhuriyet Meydani and Kordon in Izmir.

“Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of large gatherings, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” it stated.