Progressive newspaper Yeni Demokrasi‘s office in Istanbul was raided by the police on April 28, reported democratic Turkish publication in Europe Avrupa Haber. The police broke down the doors of the office and confiscated computers, posters, banners, books, and other material. The raid came as a part of an operation before May Day by the Istanbul police in an attempt to stop democrats and progressives from taking part in militant protests.

As a part of the same operation, at least eight Partizan readers have been detained and multiple homes have been raided. The number is expected to rise. Partizan is an important and historical revolutionary news service in Turkey that has served as a central organ of expression of the revolutionary movement.

The Partisan unequivocally denounces this action by the US-imperialist-backed Turkish Old State and stands in solidarity with Yeni Demokrasi and Partizan. We resolutely defend the Turkish people’s right to expression, press, and organizing against exploitation and oppression. We call for the immediate release of the activists and the return of progressive material seized.