Turkey Detains Four Protesters Against NATO Near French Warship

In the Turkish city of Marmaris, police detained four individuals following a protest near a French Navy frigate that was in port for a NATO mission. According to Turkish Minute, citing European Pravda, the activists—members of the Red Party, a leftist faction of the Workers' Party of Turkey—gathered for a demonstration at the Albatros pier, where the French frigate Guepratte with a crew of 151 had docked on June 20. The demonstration took place amid intensified anti-NATO campaigns by leftist groups ahead of the Alliance's summit in Ankara next month. The detainees remained in police custody on Monday while their statements were taken. They were questioned on charges of inciting hatred and enmity among the public. The protest occurred less than three weeks before the planned meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara on July 7-8. The summit has faced criticism from leftist parties and anti-war groups opposing Turkey's role in the Alliance. Anti-NATO protests in the country have a long history, especially in cities where Alliance facilities are located. Adana, home to Incirlik Air Base, has often been a center for demonstrations by leftist and anti-war groups. Ahead of major NATO meetings, leftist political parties and activist groups frequently intensify public statements against the Alliance. It is known that Turkey plans to turn its capital into a "fortress," protected by missile defense systems and fighter jets, in preparation for the NATO summit. Ankara police also instructed municipalities in the capital to round up stray dogs ahead of the summit on July 7-8.