Britons have been warned of violent protests across Turkey, with police deploying tear gas and water cannons to control demonstrators in Istanbul and other cities.
The demonstrations, which have intensified in recent days, have prompted authorities to take strong measures against protesters.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), these protests have the potential to escalate quickly into violence.
The FCDO has issued warnings to people in affected areas, advising them to monitor local media for updates and avoid crowds.
The capital Istanbul has been hit by protests, as well as the cities of Ankara and Izmir
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Demonstrations are currently taking place not only in Istanbul but across numerous cities throughout Turkey.
The FCDO reported that these protests have become a regular occurrence in urban areas across the country.
Travellers and residents are advised to plan their journeys carefully to avoid disruption caused by these protests.
The FCDO advised: “Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”
More than 1,000 people have been detained in Turkey following demonstrations against the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The mayor was formally arrested and jailed pending trial on Sunday, which further galvanised the protests.
According to Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 123 police officers have been injured during the demonstrations.
Authorities have reportedly seized acid, fireworks, Molotov cocktails and knives from protesters.
The FCDO said: ‘Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops’
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Yerlikaya wrote on X: “Terrorising our streets and threatening the peace and security of our nation will absolutely not be tolerated.”
The interior minister confirmed that 1,133 people were detained between March 19 and March 23.
Britons have also been issued new travel advice for Spain, with holidaymakers urged to remain vigilant against street crime.
Updated advice from the FCDO highlighted a useful resource for tourists: the ALERT COPS mobile app provided by the Spanish Police and Civil Guard.
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