Turkish authorities have released over 500 individuals detained during May Day protests in Istanbul, according to the lawyers’ association Çağdaş Hukukçular Derneği (CHD). The demonstrations, held on Friday to mark International Workers’ Day, faced a police crackdown, with law enforcement deploying tear gas and making numerous arrests.

A total of 576 people were taken into custody during the events, CHD’s Istanbul branch reported. By Saturday morning, all detainees had been freed, including Basaran Aksu, a union official who was among those arrested. Members of the association were present during the protests to monitor the situation, document arrests, and provide legal support to those apprehended.

The arrests occurred amid efforts by authorities to maintain public order during the large-scale rallies. The police response to the demonstrations reflects ongoing tensions in Turkey surrounding labor rights and freedom of assembly on significant dates such as May Day. The swift release of the protesters comes after widespread international attention on the treatment of demonstrators in Turkey.