In Turkey, union members have clashed with riot police in Istanbul, as they tried to enter a park to hold a press conference. Around 100 union members tried to enter Gezi Park, which is next to Taksim Square, but they were pushed back by security forces.

Union leaders were trying to issue a public press statement calling for official permission to hold rallies in the square on May 1st, to observe International Workers’ Day. The Turkish government has banned May Day events at Taksim Square for over three decades, after 34 people were killed there in 1977 by unknown assailants during May Day celebrations.

Gatherings were allowed from 2010, but banned again last year amid the nationwide anti-government protests.