I arrived in Istanbul a few hours ago.   As it turns out family events happened to bring us to the city on the anniversary of  the Gezi protests and ensuing crackdown.

The streets of Besiktas, where I am staying, are lined with police buses.  Major arteries to in the city are being shut down in expectation of protests this evening.

Personally, I’m primarily worried about tear gas seeping into the house where I am staying to discomfort my daughter.  Explaining tear gas to my three year old is a little more than I am prepared for.

For myself, I’m hoping to meet up with some Amnesty people this evening to observe events.   And planning to keep my head down.

More tomorrow.

Howard Eissenstat
St. Lawrence University