Stories from Turkey

Labor unions including DISK, KESK, the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects, and the Turkish Sabancı Union will hold May Day celebrations in Istanbul. Events are scheduled to take place at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square between 10:00 and 17:00. Additional celebrations are planned for Kartal Square and in Bursa. Workers affiliated with the Mine Workers' Union and the General Mine Workers' Union are participating in May Day activities in Istanbul. Despite bans on celebrations, crowds have gathered in Taksim. A press statement is being issued at the Republic Monument by representatives from Hak-İş and Türk-İş confederations. The event includes a procession of participants. The group is expressing demands for improved workers' rights and addressing economic hardships faced by employees.

The Hizmet Is Union has become the largest labor union in Turkey with 276,000 members. It surpassed the previous leader, the Türk Metal union, which has 271,000 members. The Öz Sağlık union follows in third place with 215,000 members.

The number of workers in Turkey has decreased by 100,000 compared to the previous year, according to released data. The largest workforce sector includes 4,175,000 workers in trade, office, education, and fine arts.

Swedish golfer Mikhail Lindbergh holds a one-shot lead at the Turkish Open in Antalya after a bogey-free opening round of 6 under par 66. He is followed by Spain's Alejandro Del Rey, Scotland's Ewan Ferguson, and South Africa's Daniel Fontonda.

Turkish labor groups are highlighting policies targeting women and youth during May Day celebrations. The groups are using slogans focused on bread, peace, and freedom. The broadcast noted that these themes are central to the current labor movement's demands.

May Day celebrations and rallies are scheduled to take place across various Turkish cities including Edirne, Bursa, Çorum, and Istanbul.

Authorities in Istanbul have implemented several security measures ahead of May Day celebrations. These measures include the removal of glass from specific locations and the collection of trash containers a day in advance to prevent issues. Thousands of people are expected to gather at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square and Kartal Square between 12:00 and 19:00. Civil society organizations including DISK, KESK, and the Chamber of Architects have applied to the governorate for these gatherings.

The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into a woman in Atashehir for allegedly threatening a citizen using fake judge and prosecutor credentials. The Ministry said that protecting the integrity of judicial roles is essential to the rule of law. Additionally, the institution allegedly demanded high commissions from customers attempting to settle debts early to generate unfair profits. Authorities are investigating the firm for suspected usury activities. The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Cumhuriyet Prosecutor's Office, follows allegations of usury. Anti-crime teams are currently conducting technical and local inspections. A woman was detained in Istanbul's Atasehir district following a dispute over a parking space. Authorities have confirmed the identification card was counterfeit.

Ali Mahir Başar, Deputy Group Chairman of the CHP, addressed leaked footage regarding a vacation in Antalya. Başar stated that the leaked images do not reflect anything that would shame citizens, families, or children.

A 65-year-old woman named Şenel Karabolut was defrauded of 350,000 Turkish Lira in Adana. An elderly woman named Zhu lost her savings, amounting to 1,500 yuan, which she had accumulated over a long period for medical treatment. An elderly woman named Zhu lost 150 yuan in cash, intended for medical treatment, after it fell from her bag while traveling with her husband. Police have observed a increase in the number of elderly individuals defrauded and the total amount lost, with 329 victims losing approximately 33 million in the first quarter. Last year, police investigated cases of fraud targeting the elderly, interviewing over 1,000 victims. One initial phase saw 329 victims lose approximately 33 million. Police investigations into these cases, including interviews with over 1,000 victims last year, indicate a growing trend.