Police attack people joining Newroz celebration in Cizre

Turkish police used tear gas against a Newroz celebration in the Cizre district of Şırnak. Despite the attack, tens of thousands of people celebrated their New Year.

Turkish police fired tear gas at a Newroz celebration in Cizre. There were tens of thousands of people on and in front of the square, who had arrived early in the morning in traditional dress and were dancing. Lines formed for miles in front of the police checkpoints at the entrance to the site. Crowds chanted slogans such as "Bijî Serok Apo" [Long Live Leader Öcalan] and "The PKK is the people and the people are here!"

When tear gas was fired at the crowd, the people tore down part of the police barrier. Despite the attack, an enthusiastic Newroz celebration took place.