Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

An alarm was raised around midnight following the arrival of foreign soldiers who assaulted and beat a person in front of witnesses. The soldiers reportedly used high-pressure water cannons.

Ten individuals appeared before a judge in a decision hearing regarding a fatal shooting involving taxi driver Veysel Meşe. Investigators determined the attackers hired hitmen to kill a target but mistakenly killed Meşe instead.

A 10-year-old boy named Süleyman Taşkesen recovered his health following a successful liver transplant operation. The boy's mother had previously lost her daughter while waiting for a liver transplant. The mother wrote an emotional letter to the donor family after the successful procedure. The mother of the recipient expressed both her gratitude to the nation and her sorrow in a letter. His mother had previously lost a daughter to the same illness and feared her son would suffer the same fate. The organ was donated by the family of a 9-year-old child who had passed away. The family had agreed to donate the organs after the child's death.

At least 600 people were arrested in Istanbul during May Day celebrations. Local bar associations report that at least 550 people were detained in Istanbul, and police utilized tear gas and water cannons. Protesters attempted to march to Taksim Square, which has been a banned demonstration site since 2013. Tens of thousands of people participated in approved events in the Asian part of Istanbul. Protesters primarily demonstrated against the precarious economic situation and inflation. The arrests occurred on the margins of the festivities, according to the report. Police intervened against groups attempting to march in Istanbul, resulting in the detention of 575 people. Authorities permitted only union and professional chamber representatives to march in Taksim. Groups departed from Kazancı Hill and the Republic Monument after laying wreaths.

The Eurovision Song Contest faced controversy following the last-minute disqualification of the Netherlands. This event occurred despite widespread protests and calls across Europe in 2024 regarding the participation of Israel.

Six countries, including Azerbaijan and Georgia, were identified as having engaged in point trading during the second semi-final of a competition. The investigation follows a scandal involving voting irregularities that occurred during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2020. The source noted that while Ukraine won the competition, the scandal regarding irregular voting patterns has surfaced. The competition was described as one of the most in history following protests regarding Israel's participation and the last-minute disqualification of the Netherlands. These events occurred despite widespread calls across Europe for Israel to be excluded from the contest. The source reported that the suspects are being investigated for tampering with voting processes. The source did not specify the jurisdiction or the specific election involved.

Activists arriving from Crete, Greece, to Istanbul are planning to file lawsuits against Israeli officials in Turkish courts. Approximately 170 activists from the Sumut Flotilla returned to Turkey on the night of April 29. The flotilla, consisting of about 50 ships, departed from Spain on April 12 to deliver humanitarian aid and break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Activists expressed gratitude to Turkish state officials and bureaucrats upon their return. Approximately 170 activists arrived at Istanbul Airport on the night of April 29 and held a press conference declaring they will continue their journey. Greek authorities transferred activists to Heraklion International Airport for repatriation, according to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some activists were also taken to Sidiap Hospital for medical care.

Activists reported being subjected to physical assaults by Israeli naval forces, resulting in injuries and bruising. The activists are expected to be transported from Crete to Istanbul in the coming days.

Two workers performing sewage maintenance were dragged meters by a water truck in the Çankaya district of Istanbul. The incident occurred on Şemsettin Gün Altay Avenue after a truck reportedly lost control while attempting to climb a hill. Witnesses claimed stones placed behind the vehicle to assist the climb were removed by workers, causing the driver to lose traction when attempting to move forward. No casualty counts or specific injuries were provided in the report. Ankara Metropolitan Municipality stated the workers were employees of a private firm rather than the municipality. Last year, 2,105 workers died in occupational accidents, with traffic accidents cited as the leading cause of death. Witnesses claimed the vehicle appeared to accelerate backward uncontrollably. Relatives of the deceased were present at the scene.

Recent polls indicate the ruling coalition block has increased its seat count to 50. Conversely, the opposition has seen a decline to 60 seats. Data shows support for a specific political union dropped from 31 to 28.