Hundreds arrested in Turkey during worldwide May Day demonstrations and rallies | World News

Over 200 demonstrators have been apprehended in Turkey as crowds gathered in Istanbul to observe May Day.

People worldwide celebrated this annual event, also referred to as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, which acknowledges the challenges and victories of the labor movement.

In Turkey, however, May Day became a platform for pro-democracy activists to protest against the imprisonment of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

His incarceration in March ignited the nation’s largest protests in over ten years.

A legal association reported that over 200 demonstrators were arrested before noon near Taksim Square in central Istanbul, a historically significant site that has long been restricted for May Day celebrations.

Authorities restricted access to central Istanbul and suspended transit services on Thursday.

The arrests in Turkey coincided with celebrations across Asia, where large demonstrations focused on U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies and concerns over economic uncertainties.

In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers rallied near the presidential palace, where police erected barricades to restrict access.

Protesters called for increased wages and better protections for local jobs and businesses.

In the U.S., thousands are anticipated to participate in rallies and demonstrations, notably in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia.

Organizers emphasize this year’s focus on opposing Mr. Trump’s policies concerning immigrants, federal employees, and diversity initiatives.

Los Angeles is set to host one of the largest May Day events globally, with a banner encapsulating the theme: “One Struggle, One Fight – Workers Unite!”

“We are confronting the billionaires and politicians who aim to divide us through fear and misinformation. We understand that an attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers,” stated April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, which represents two million members.

In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te addressed the impact of new U.S. tariffs under Mr. Trump as he advocated for a proposed spending bill designed to stabilize the job market and support livelihoods.

Philippine protest leader Mong Palatino cautioned that “tariff wars and Trump’s policies” threaten local industries.

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Diverse demands emerged during a march in Tokyo, Japan, including higher wages, gender equality, healthcare, reduced military spending, and disaster relief for earthquake victims.

Demonstrators also demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“For our children to live in hope, workers’ rights must be acknowledged,” stated Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers’ group in Tokyo.

Union construction worker Tadashi Ito expressed concerns about rising prices for imported materials.

“Everyone is competing fiercely for work, leading contracts to be awarded based on the lowest wages,” he noted. “We believe peace should be prioritized, and we hope Trump will resolve conflicts and inequalities.”

“Workers unite! Workers of the world! May Day!” chanted the crowd, punctuating their calls with the Japanese rallying cry: “Banzai!”

In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto addressed thousands of workers gathered at Jakarta’s National Monument Park.

“My government will strive to eradicate poverty in Indonesia,” he declared to the enthusiastic crowd.

Approximately 200,000 Indonesian workers were expected to march during May Day celebrations throughout the nation, according to Said Iqbal, president of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions.

Their demands include abolishing outsourcing regulations, raising wages, and providing protections for both domestic and overseas workers.