Turkish police arrest more than 500 people at May Day rallies

Turkey sees significant police deployments on 1 May each year, when marches led by workers and unions are held.

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Many of those arrested were trying to march to Taksim Square, which has seen a number of anti-government protests in the past.

The square, where demonstrations have been banned since 2013, was sealed off by police overnight.

Turkey sees significant police deployments on 1 May each year, when marches led by workers and unions are held as part of International Labour Day celebrations in many countries.

The CHD lawyers' group, which was at the rallies, said there had been more than 500 arrests.