Turkish police detain 76 suspects for planning to provoke unrest

ISTANBUL, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained 76 suspects in Istanbul as part of an operation targeting terrorist groups allegedly planning to provoke unrest during May Day demonstrations, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Tuesday.

The operation followed detention warrants issued by the office for 84 individuals suspected of being affiliated with leftist "terrorist organizations."

The office stated that the suspects might attempt to incite gatherings in and around Taksim Square despite an official ban, organize unauthorized demonstrations, and launch attacks against security forces.

To date, 76 suspects have been apprehended, and police are continuing their search for the remaining individuals.

Taksim Square holds symbolic significance for trade unions and leftist groups, as 34 workers were killed there during May Day celebrations in 1977. Enditem