ISTANBUL - Turkish riot police fired tear gas and sprayed water to disperse groups who gathered near a main square in Istanbul on Thursday to celebrate May Day.
Wearing masks and chanting slogans, the groups tried to march onto Taksim Square. But police stopped and broke up the groups who blocked the streets with barricades. Protestors also threw stones and bottles to police.
Police said 467 demonstrators were detained, 6 police officers and 2 civilians were injured.
Earlier this week, the government decided to ban celebrations on the Taksim square citing security concerns, but labor unions strongly opposed government`s decision.
(TÇ-ULG)