More than 200 protesters have been arrested in Turkey as people gathered in Istanbul for May Day.
People across the world have marked the annual event, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, which recognises the struggles and achievements of workers and the labour movement.
However in Turkey, May Day also served as an opportunity for pro-democracy demonstrators to protest against the jailing of Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
His imprisonment in March had already sparked the country’s largest protests in more than a decade.
A law association said that more than 200 protesters were arrested before midday near Taksim Square in central Istanbul, a symbolic rallying point long closed to May Day gatherings.
Authorities had blocked access to central Istanbul and shut down transit lines on Thursday.
Protesters scuffle with riot police as they attempt to defy a ban and march on Taksim Square. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters/Umit Bektas
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
The arrests in Turkey came as people across Asia kicked off May Day celebrations with big marches and protests – many of which focused on US President Donald Trump’s policies and fears of global economic uncertainty.
In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers marched near the presidential palace, where police blocked access with barricades.
Protesters demanded higher wages and stronger protections for local jobs and businesses.
Protesters clash with police during a Labour Day demonstration in Manila, Philippines. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
It comes as thousands of people are expected to attend rallies and marches across the US as well, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.
Organisers in the US said their message this year focused on fighting Mr Trump’s approach to targeting immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives.
Los Angeles is expected to host one of the world’s largest May Day events this year, and a banner there summarised the day’s theme: “One Struggle, One Fight – Workers Unite!”
“We’re bringing the fight to the billionaires and politicians who are trying to divide us with fear and lies. We know the truth – an attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers,” April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, which represents two million workers, said in a statement.
In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te referenced new US tariffs under Mr Trump as he promoted a proposed spending bill aimed at stabilising the job market and supporting livelihoods.
In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned “tariff wars and policies of Trump” threatened local industries.
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A truck during a march in Tokyo in Japan featured a doll that resembled Mr Trump.
There, the demands of those marching were wide-ranging and included higher wages, gender equality, healthcare, reduced military spending and disaster relief for earthquake victims.
They also demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must be recognised,” said Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers’ group in Tokyo.
Tadashi Ito, a union construction worker, said he worried about rising prices for imported raw materials.
“Everybody is fighting over work and so the contracts tend to go where the wages are cheapest,” he said. “We think peace comes first. And we hope Trump will eradicate conflict and inequalities.”
“Workers unite! Workers of the world! May Day!” the crowds shouted, punctuating each exclamation with the Japanese battle cry: “Banzai!”
Protesters wear Joker masks as they attend a rally in Jakarta, Indonesia. Pic: Reuters
In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto greeted thousands of workers who cheered him in Jakarta’s National Monument Park.
“The government that I lead will work as hard as possible to eliminate poverty from Indonesia,” he told the crowd.
About 200,000 Indonesian workers were expected to take part in May Day marches across Southeast Asia’s largest economy, according to Said Iqbal, president of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions.
They are demanding an end to outsourcing rules, wage raises, and protection for domestic workers and migrant workers abroad.
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