Više od stotinu uhićenih na protestima protiv NATO-a u Turskoj

Turkey has implemented temporary flight restrictions at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, which will take place on July 7 and 8, 2026. According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, as reported by the media outlet "Türkiye Today," these restrictions will apply to air traffic during specific hours each day. On July 7, flights will be limited between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM local time, while on July 8, restrictions will be in effect from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. However, these measures will not affect civilian or military aircraft transporting heads of state and official delegations. The restrictions are part of heightened security protocols around the capital during the summit.

The airport will serve as one of the primary venues for the summit, alongside the newly upgraded Etimessgut Air Base. Aircraft landing at Etimessgut will be redirected to Esenboga, where one runway will be designated exclusively for parking official aircraft. This area will remain off-limits to all other aviation equipment except those carrying government officials. In addition, Turkey's Air Force is expected to conduct continuous surveillance over the airspace above Ankara, utilizing early warning systems and other defensive mechanisms to ensure security.

The NATO summit will bring together leaders from 32 member states, along with nearly 100 ministers, high-ranking diplomats, representatives from international organizations, and thousands of foreign guests. Security for the event will involve more than 56,288 personnel, including 48,841 police officers and 7,447 members of the gendarmerie. Media interest in the summit is also significant, with approximately 3,000 journalists, television crews, photographers, digital media representatives, and international broadcasters having applied for accreditation.

In preparation for the summit, authorities have advised travelers to monitor their flight information through respective airlines to avoid potential disruptions caused by the temporary restrictions. The summit is expected to focus on several critical issues, including regional security challenges, defense cooperation, and strategic partnerships within the alliance.

Meanwhile, protests against the NATO summit took place in several cities across Turkey, leading to the arrest of more than 100 individuals. The Turkish Communist Party organized demonstrations in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Samsun, Canakkale, and Adana, despite a ban on such gatherings during the summit period, which was announced by Turkish authorities at the end of March. Police intervention occurred when protesters attempted to defy the ban, resulting in the dispersal of crowds using tear gas. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “Out of our country, killer – NATO” and “No passage for NATO.”

Kemal Okuyan, General Secretary of the Turkish Communist Party, justified the protests as resistance against imperialism and criticized parliamentary parties for failing to take a clear stance on the issue. He highlighted the ongoing violence in Palestine and accused the governments of hosting those responsible for the attacks. The party expressed concern about the transformation of Ankara into a “prison for its citizens,” emphasizing that the summit would welcome individuals they consider perpetrators of violence.

Security measures in Ankara have been significantly tightened in anticipation of the arrival of leaders from 32 allied countries and over 100 ministers. Among the attendees will be U.S. President Donald Trump, who is arriving with a delegation of nearly 1,400 people. The summit will be protected by 48,841 police officers, 7,447 gendarmes, and 638 cybersecurity experts monitoring potential threats. Major roads in the city that will be used by delegations will remain closed for the duration of the summit.

In addition to the protests related to the NATO summit, Turkish authorities have conducted anti-terrorism operations in recent weeks. Last month, 103 individuals were arrested as part of these efforts, with a total of 225 people detained nationwide. Separately, 39 others, including journalists from independent media outlets, activists, and academics, were also detained during similar operations across the country.

These developments underscore the complex political landscape in Turkey as it prepares to host one of the most significant international summits in recent years. While the government emphasizes the importance of maintaining security and order, opposition groups continue to voice concerns about the implications of hosting such a high-profile event. As the summit approaches, the balance between ensuring safety and addressing public dissent remains a central challenge for Turkish authorities.