IZMIR, TURKEY, OCTOBER 5, 2026: Police officers block demonstrators during a protest organized by the Izmir Labor and Democracy Forces on Cyprus Martyrs Street against the transfer of elected mayors to the ruling AKP and amid claims that Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay could also join the party. After negotiations with police, demonstrators proceeded toward the Turkan Saylan Cultural Center under restrictions on banners and slogans, where the Izmir Bar Association issued a statement criticizing political party defections and their impact on voters' electoral choices. Photo by Turgay Kilic / JNA PRESS (Photo by Turgay Kilic/JNA Press via Nexpher Images)

Police block protest march over political defections in Izmir (9 images)