Key Problems and Policy Recommendations on Freedom of Assembly in Turkey is a policy paper prepared within the scope of the project “Meydan: Reclaiming Freedom of Assembly and Public Space,” carried out by the Hafıza Merkezi with the support of the European Union. As part of our work in the field of Supporting Human Rights Organizations and Defenders since 2018, this project aims to analyze the legal, political, and administrative obstacles to the freedom of peaceful assembly in Turkey and to contribute to the struggle to reclaim public spaces.

The Gezi Park protests that spread across the country in 2013 became a symbol of the freedom of peaceful assembly, which has long been restricted—and at times violently suppressed—in Turkey. Since then, access to public spaces through peaceful assemblies expressing dissenting views has continued to be increasingly restricted. Assemblies planned around specific dates, locations, and issues—such as the March 8 Feminist Night Marches, November 25 marches marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, May Day demonstrations in Taksim, Pride Marches and LGBTI+ events, the protests of the Saturday Mothers/People, and Newroz celebrations—have been systematically prevented.

By 2025, following the detention on March 19, 2025, of numerous individuals, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, peaceful demonstrations were held across Turkey, particularly in Istanbul. Despite constitutional guarantees, these protests were declared “unlawful” and suppressed; more than 2,000 people were detained, over 300 were arrested, and demonstrators were subjected to ill-treatment and police violence. On May 1, transportation across Istanbul was restricted, police intervened harshly against demonstrators attempting to march to Taksim Square, and more than 400 people were detained. Despite sweeping bans, 46 participants in the 11th Istanbul Trans Pride March were detained with police violence. An official application to hold the 23rd Istanbul Pride March at the Yenikapı Rally Area—designated by the Istanbul Governor’s Office as a venue for assemblies and demonstrations—was rejected. During the Pride March held in Ortaköy, 53 people were violently detained, three of whom were arrested. These interventions were followed by judicial harassment through investigations and prosecutions.

Although this policy paper was prepared prior to these developments, they clearly confirm the structural problems identified in the text. Addressing these issues will only be possible through a fundamental reform of Law No. 2911 and the adoption by law enforcement and the judiciary of an approach that safeguards and expands fundamental rights and freedoms.

KEY ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY IN TÜRKİYE by Hakikat Adalet Hafıza Merkezi