Labor Day rallies worldwide, 12 officers injured in Paris

NOS News•today, 9:28 PM

Large-scale Labor Day manifestations took place in many places within and outside Europe today. This was often done without violence, but in some places it led to confrontations with the police.

For example, there were disturbances at a number of locations during the May Day protest in Paris. According to French media, cars and garbage bins were set on fire. During disturbances, stones and fireworks were thrown at officers. Twelve officers were injured. At least 45 demonstrators were arrested.

At least 18,000 people participated in the protest march through the French capital, according to the Paris police, although the unions speak of 50,000 demonstrators. The French Ministry of the Interior estimated that there were at least 121,000 demonstrators across France.

May Day demonstrations in the French capital often result in confrontations with the police. Last year, at least 540 people were arrested and 406 officers were injured.

At least 200 demonstrators were arrested in Istanbul as they tried to reach Taksim Square. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets.

Taksim Square is traditionally the center of May Day demonstrations, but the government has banned protests there since 2013. Last year, the Constitutional Court of Turkey ruled that this ban is unconstitutional. Human rights organization Amnesty International is calling for a lifting of the ban. Demonstrations were allowed in other places in the city.

May 1 is not a public holiday in the Netherlands, but in many countries employees are off work and sometimes take to the streets. Employees also took action today for better employment conditions in Germany, Belgium, Greece, Cuba, Japan, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa, among others. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators joined the May Day demonstrations in several countries.