Başaran Aksu Released: First Statement Issued

Istanbul – May Day celebrations in Istanbul saw a significant police crackdown, with hundreds detained as workers attempted to march to Taksim Square, a traditional gathering place. Among those detained was Başaran Aksu, an organizer with Umut-Sen (Hope-Sen). However, Aksu has since been released and has issued a defiant statement, signaling a continued struggle for workers' rights and access to public spaces.

Aksu's release was followed by a strong message on social media: "We have emerged from detention. Yesterday, those who fought for May 1st in Taksim won. The detentions of nearly 600 people, the thousands gathered in Mecidiyeköy Square, and the content of the workers' speeches were all very valuable. Taksim May 1st, 2027, now belongs to all the people. Greetings to our Turkish Working Class!"

This statement not only celebrates the perceived victory of the workers' movement in reclaiming the narrative around May Day but also looks forward, setting a symbolic date for the full realization of their demands. The reference to 2027 suggests a long-term vision and a commitment to sustained activism.

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We have emerged from detention. Yesterday, those who fought for May 1st in Taksim won. The detentions of nearly 600 people, the thousands gathered in Mecidiyeköy Square, and the content of the workers' speeches were all very valuable. Taksim May 1st, 2027, now belongs to all the people. Greetings to our Turkish Working Class!

It is noteworthy that Aksu had previously been detained during protests by miners from Doruk Madencilik in Eskişehir. This pattern of detention highlights the ongoing tension between labor movements and authorities in Turkey. Aksu's earlier speech before his detention emphasized that "a square cannot be closed to Turkish laborers. That square is used by everyone. Official ceremonies, tribune ceremonies, celebrations – everyone uses Taksim. Only workers, laborers, and the poor are being barred from the square."

From our perspective at Cumhuriyet, these events underscore the persistent struggle for freedom of assembly and expression. While the government may attempt to control public spaces and narratives, the determination of groups like Umut-Sen to assert their rights remains strong. The detentions, while a setback, have not broken the spirit of the movement, as evidenced by Aksu's powerful post-release message. The fight for Taksim as a space for all, especially the working class, continues.

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A square cannot be closed to Turkish laborers. That square is used by everyone. Official ceremonies, tribune ceremonies, celebrations – everyone uses Taksim. Only workers, laborers, and the poor are being barred from the square.