Turkish police have prevented the march BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) set for today at the Taksim Square to protest the Danish court's ruling for the closure of ROJ TV, MMC and Nuçe TV.

The demo is taking place in the scope of the campaign the party launched late June to call on the ruling AKP government to take steps for the accomplishment of the resolution process. The campaign, which started with mass marches in Amed, Mersin and Adana on 30 June, will last till the end of July. BDP says their campaign is a significant step aiming to remind the Turkish government of its responsibilities for the second stage and to avoid approaches that may interrupt the democratic resolution process.

Thousands have gathered in front of Galatasaray High School, with riot police having already built barricades and riot control vehicles waiting ready for an intervention in front of the crowd on İstiklal Avenue.

BDP Istanbul provincial co-chair Asiye Kolçak is making a statement on behalf of the crowd.