Clashes Reported in Turkey as Thousands Mark May Day
A riot police officer fires tear gas to push back protesters during a May Day demonstration in Istanbul, May 1, 2014.
Turkish police fired tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators across Turkey, as thousands of people marched around the world to mark International Workers Day, also known as May Day.
In Istanbul, Turkey, police clashed with protesters attempting to reach Taksim Square, the usual site of May Day rallies. One year ago, the massive May Day demonstrations there grew into a huge anti-government movement. At least 50 people were injured and around 140 detained in Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.
In other May Day commemorations, Russian workers marched on Moscow's Red Square in a patriotic display. Marchers held signs reading "I'm proud of my country" and "We believe our president." The parade on Red Square was the first May Day demonstration there since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Rallies also took place across Asia. Thousands of workers and activists took to the streets in Manila to demand wage increases amid rising living costs.
In Cambodia, garment factory workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions rallied in Phnom Penh.
Thousands also marched in the Cuban capital, Havana to mark the country's Communist revolution.
Photo Gallery: May Day Rallies Worldwide
May Day Rallies Worldwide
1/9Supporters of the Iraqi Communist Party chant slogans during an International Worker's Day, or Labour Day, rally in Baghdad.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
2/9Labor rights activists shout while holding signs reading "Forbid Temporary Worker Services" during a rally for labor rights on international Labor Day in Taipei, Taiwan.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
3/9Protesters set fire to an effigy of Philippine President Benigno Aquino during a May Day rally near the presidential palace in Manila.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
4/9Members and supporters of the Lithuanian social democratic party and trade unionists take part in a May Day parade in Vilnius.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
5/9Protester shield themselves from police during a May Day demonstration in Istanbul, Turkey.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
6/9A riot police officer fires tear gas to push back protesters during a May Day demonstration in Istanbul, Turkey.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
7/9A Turkish protestor wearing a gas mask and a hard hat takes cover during clashes with riot police who prevent demonstrators from reaching Taksim Square in Istanbul for a May Day rally.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
8/9Drummers perform during rehearsals at the Bird's Nest National Stadium ahead of the IAAF Athletics World Championships in Beijing, China.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
9/9Ignacio Fernandez Toxo (2nd L) and Candido Mendez (2nd R), general secretaries of Spain's leading trade unions CCOO and UGT, march as they are flanked by Basque CCOO and UGT leaders Unai Sordo (L) and Raul Arza during May Day celebrations in Bilbao.
Across the globe, people flocked the streets on May 1 to celebrate International Labor Day, or May Day.
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