Thousands flock to the area where a rally by the Labour and Democracy Coordination will be held with the motto 'We will not surrender' in Kartal Square, Istanbul.

The rally is organised by HDP, CHP, HDK, BHH, DİSK, KESK, TMMOB, TTB, LGBTİ, ecology and Alevi orgnisations, trade unions and political parties.

Thousands have already arrived in the rally area, saying "Today is the day to fight fascism, exploitation and atrocity. It is the day to stand against the presidential system and dictatorship".

A huge banner reading "We will not surrender; we will win" was unfurled in the rally area as demonstrators reached the scene after long queues at security check points.

Women are participating in the rally with their traditional clothes and purple flags and demonstrators are carrying photographs of jailed deputies and co-mayors from the HDP and DBP.

People have also started a signature campaign at stands set up in the rally area in protest at the "sexual abuse arrangement" of the ruling AKP government.