Germany's Consulate Urges Citizens to Avoid Istanbul

As Turkey prepares for the 13th presidential and the 28th Grand National Assembly (parliament) elections on May 14, Turkish sources have deemed a statement issued by the German Consulate General in Istanbul as scandalous. According to Ermenihaber.am, the warning issued to German citizens specifically states: "Considering the uncertainty of the election results and the potential reaction to the candidates' recorded outcomes, it cannot be overlooked that riots may occur in the hours following the closing of the polling stations. We advise against moving around the city in the evening."

It is worth noting that on the morning of May 14, various videos appeared on social media showing supporters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader and presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdoğan clashing with supporters of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the unified candidate of the Nation Alliance. These skirmishes escalated into brawls. Significant violence reportedly occurred at a polling station in the Bahçelievler district of Istanbul, while fights involving sticks and stones took place in Şanlıurfa between voters of different candidates.