ANKARA - Turkish interior minister said Wednesday that Istanbul`s Taksim Square would not be allowed for Workers` Day celebrations.
"The Taksim Square is not a spot for rallies or demonstrations. There are four designated places for such events and Taksim is not one of them. Any tolerance will not be shown on this matter," Besir Atalay told a press conference.
Workers` Day celebrations at the Taksim Square have been banned since 1977, when gunmen opened fire on demonstrators, killing 37 people.
"The Taksim Square is not allowed for rallies or demonstrations since 1977 for certain justified reasons. It is a spot with many entries and exits, which are hard to keep under control," Atalay said.
(YMB-MS)