Opposition members banned from laying wreaths at Atatürk monuments

ISTANBUL

DHA Photo

Members and supporters of Turkey's main Republican People's Party (CHP) were prevented by local authorities and police forces while trying to lay wreaths at Atatürk monuments in several cities in honor of Aug. 30 Victory Day, Doğan news agency reported.
 
Officers had gathered at squares in Isparta and İzmit, as well squares on Istanbul's islands, even before party members arrived to lay wreaths.
 
Tension ran high in several different spots as confrontations between police forces and party members marred the nation's celebrations of Victory Day.
 
In some locations, crowds successfully overcame police forces and laid wreaths at monuments.
 
Measures taken by ruling party authorities and police departments to prevent the laying of wreaths were heavily criticized by members of the CHP, as well as other political figures.