Turkish Police Disperse May Day Protesters with Tear Gas in Istanbul

Turkish police used tear gas and detained hundreds of people during a May Day rally in Istanbul's Taksim Square on Monday, in a heavy-handed crackdown on the annual labor protest. The government had declared the square off-limits to demonstrators, citing security concerns and renovation work. Despite the ban, thousands gathered to demand better working conditions and political freedoms. Riot police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd, leading to chaotic scenes as protesters fled. The Interior Ministry confirmed over 200 arrests. Human rights groups condemned the use of excessive force, while the government defended the operation as necessary to maintain public order.