Turkish police arrest 210 people in May 1st Istanbul protests

Police in Istanbul have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who tried to break up a barricade to arrive at the city's “Taxim” Square in opposition to the ban on holding gatherings on May 1st.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlicaya said 210 people were arrested Wednesday.

More than 40,000 police officers were deployed across the city, blocking even small side roads with metal barriers, as President Recep Tayip Erdogan said on the eve of May 1st that annual protests will not be allowed to take place on the ground.

High metal bars were placed around the square a traditional central protest point in Istanbul, where authorities have banned the rallies since 2013, when it was the centre of protests against Erdogan's government.

Police clashed with demonstrators near the city's municipality in Sarachane County, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to prevent protesters from violating barricades, AFP news agency reported, writes Al Jazeera