On the eve of Turkey’s biggest national holiday, Oct. 29, Republic Day, the US Embassy in Ankara issued a security warning for its citizens and suggested caution in the face of possible violence or protests.
The statement referred to the official ban on all demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings in the province of Ankara, inclusive of the city of Ankara, until Nov. 30, 2016. The embassy said that being near a public gathering could lead to arrest or detention by Turkish authorities.
“Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of large gatherings, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” the statement went on to say.
The embassy’s warning also included an announcement of possible marches from the old Parliament building in Ulus to Anıtkabir on Oct. 29.
