• The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has called for a rally at Kagithane Square in Istanbul’s Kagithane district at 19:30 (local time) on December 24.

1. The slated rally is part of the CHP’s ongoing weekly anti-government demonstrations denouncing what the party perceives as a politically motivated clampdown on its leadership by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).  
2. FORECAST: Based on precedent and the party’s mobilization capacity, the protest is likely to draw a turnout in the high hundreds to low thousands. While the demonstration is expected to transpire peacefully, a heightened security presence is anticipated. This may increase the risk of localized unrest and scuffles, especially if authorities perceive protesters as behaving in an unruly manner. Significant travel disruptions can be expected in the vicinity of Kagithane Square from the early evening hours on December 24.  

Those operating or residing in Istanbul on December 24 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and allot for travel disruptions in the vicinity of Kagithane Square due to the slated rally and associated risk of localized unrest.