Over 100 Arrested During Anti-NATO Protest in Turkey | WPN World People News

With the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit set to take place in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7–8, the Turkish government stepped up security measures in advance of the gathering, banning public demonstrations, erecting roadblocks, and closing several streets. The Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) said it organized an anti-NATO march in central Ankara's Kızılay Square, but more than 100 participants, including party officials, were detained by police.

Footage from the scene showed demonstrators waving flags and chanting slogans such as "Murderer NATO, get out of our country!" and "NATO, no passage!" Riot police used tear gas to disperse the crowd as protesters gathered in the square. The TKP accused the government of suppressing anti-NATO voices, arguing that the detentions targeted a legitimate political demonstration.

Beyond Ankara, the TKP also organized protests in Istanbul, where hundreds of demonstrators marched from Taksim Square to the Dolmabahçe district. Two additional rallies organized by left-wing groups were held in Kadıköy. Although police maintained a heavy security presence, no major clashes were reported.

TKP General Secretary Kemal Okuyan said anti-NATO demonstrations were held simultaneously across several cities, stressing that the party would not allow Ankara to remain silent during the NATO summit and would continue voicing its opposition to the alliance.