Turkish police detained more than 200 people who were trying to hold a May Day rally in Istanbul on Saturday in defiance of a ban related to the coronavirus pandemic.

They were caught as they tried to walk to Taksim Square, a traditional area of protest, AFP correspondents said, and in other areas nearby including the popular Istiklal Avenue.

Turkish police detain a woman trying to protest in Istanbul on May 1 despite a Covid-related ban on demonstrations
Turkish police detain a woman trying to protest in Istanbul on May 1 despite a Covid-related ban on demonstrations AFP / BULENT KILIC

The Istanbul governor's office later on Saturday said 212 people were detained.

Police officers pushed a crowd back forcefully using their shields, while other officers dragged protesters away, a correspondent said.

There are often detentions in Turkey during the annual May 1 workers' holiday
There are often detentions in Turkey during the annual May 1 workers' holiday AFP / BULENT KILIC

Turkey has been under a full lockdown since April 29 with a third wave of the virus causing record numbers of daily deaths. Some 394 people died of Covid-19 in Turkey on Friday, official data showed.

There are often detentions during the annual May 1 workers' holiday.

Taksim has been a flashpoint on May Day with frequent clashes since 34 people were killed there on May 1, 1977 during an unstable period in modern Turkey's history.

A small group led by the Confederation of Turkish Real Trade Unions attended an officially-approved event at Taksim Square.

At least 11 people were also detained in Ankara after trying to hold May Day demonstrations, local media reported.

Coronavirus