Story perspectives

Ankara Bans Protests, Detains 209 Ahead of NATO Summit

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ankara banned all demonstrations from June 28 through the NATO summit to preserve public order.
Anti-terror police detained 209 people in early-morning raids across Ankara after prosecutors issued warrants for 241 individuals, including journalist Yildiz Tar, two Progressive Lawyers Association lawyers, an Ankara University economics professor and a union official.
Reporters Without Borders called Tar’s arrest arbitrary and demanded his immediate release, while officials said the sweeps were necessary for summit security.

History

Historical Context

In July 2005 the Gleneagles G8 summit in Scotland saw the UK deploy more than 10,000 police, including armed units, to protect the meeting. The operation cost £72 million, and protest legal teams recorded at least 700 arrests and 350 charges under Section 60 powers. That precedent is cited as authorities today invoke security concerns to justify large-scale raids on journalists and activists.

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Story summary

Ankara banned all demonstrations from June 28 through the NATO summit to preserve public order.
Anti-terror police detained 209 people in early-morning raids across Ankara after prosecutors issued warrants for 241 individuals, including journalist Yildiz Tar, two Progressive Lawyers Association lawyers, an Ankara University economics professor and a union official.
Reporters Without Borders called Tar’s arrest arbitrary and demanded his immediate release, while officials said the sweeps were necessary for summit security.

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