Turkish protestors who attempted to defy a ban on Labor Day demonstrations were met with harsh resistance from Turkish police, AFP reports. Police forces used tear gas and water cannons on protestors trying to enter Taksim Square Thursday.
Approximately 40,000 police officers and dozens of army vehicles were deployed throughout Istanbul to prohibit protestors from gathering inside Taksim square, according to AFP.
Public transportation slowed to a halt as security forces blocked roads, canceled ferry services and close metro stations to cope with massive crowds.
Many Turkish citizens have become unhappy with Prime Minister Erdogan and his 11 year rule. Erdogan sparked fury when he banned both YouTube and Twitter in an effort to curb public discourse about corruption in his government.
Violent protests between protestors and police broke out last year on May Day after a similar ban on demonstrations.
