The Governor's Office of Van has banned protest marches and open-air meetings from January 19 to February 2, citing "public health and order."
In a written statement released on the official website of the Van Governor's Office, it has been announced that citizens can hold a statement for the press, stage a sit-in protest, conduct surveys, open/ set up tents and stands, launch petitions and distribute leaflets, declarations and handouts only after getting a permission from the local authorities.
The office has indicated that the ban has been imposed "by considering the recommendations of the Health Ministry and its Science Board and the instruction of the President, with the aim of managing the risk posed by the outbreak/ infection to public health and order, maintaining social isolation, protecting social distance and keeping the infection rate in check."
Accordingly, the office has announced that "protest marches and open-air meetings to be held as per the Articles of the Law no. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations have been banned as per the Article 17" of the same law.
Ban in effect for over 1,500 days
In recent period, the first ban on meetings and demonstrations was imposed in Turkey's eastern province of Van on November 21, 2016. Since then, it has been extended by the governor's office for 15-day periods. The demonstration ban has been in effect for 1,519 days.
