Ankara bans public meetings due to security fears

Ankara bans public meetings due to security fears
Protests and public assemblies outlawed until November 30 after authorities say they have received intelligence about planned terror attacks.
2 min read
18 October, 2016
Protestors in Ankara have previously been targeted by militant groups [AFP]

Turkish authorities have banned public meetings and marches in Ankara until the end of November due to intelligence about possible attacks by militants.

The announcement of the new restrictions come in a month when two suspected Kurdistan Workers Party [PKK] members blew themselves up after being confronted by police in the Turkish capital.

"Based on intelligence received by our governorship, it has been determined that illegal terror groups are aiming to carry out attacks in our province and have made some preparations," read a statement on the website of the governor's office.

The law, which will be enforced until November 30, was introduced under an emergency rule law.

Authorities fear that public gatherings and protests in Ankara province will be attacked by militants.

In addition to the the PKK, the Islamic State group, who Turkey is currently fighting across the border in Syria, have also previously launched attacks in Ankara.

In 2015, the group were blamed for a suicide bombing that killed over a hundred people outside the capital's train station. Many of those killed were protestors who were demonstrating against the conflict between Turkey's army and the PKK.

Turkey is still under high alert following the failed July 15 coup. This has led to tens of thousands of arrests, as well as the declaration of a state of emergency by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.