May Day: Rallies around the world in pictures

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In: Asia
By Aleks Phillips
BBC News

This May Day, people all over the world have taken to the streets to demand better workers ‘ rights.

Although there were numerous peaceful demonstrations to commemorate International Workers ‘ Day on Wednesday, there were also violent scenes and arrests.

Some of the images from global gatherings can be found below.

Protesters clash with riot police as they attempt to reach Taksim Square to celebrate the International Labor Day in Istanbul, Turkey. One protester is seen kicking a riot shield held by a member of the police cordon.

EPA

Turkish police detain a protester as he and others attempt to march to Taksim Square in Istanbul during a May Day rally marking International Workers' Day.

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Police in riot gear stand use their shields to deflect a firework during a May Day rally marking International Workers' Day, in Nantes, France.

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Labourers wear traditional Indonesian Buto masks as they attend a May Day rally in Jakarta.

Reuters

A protester shouts slogans during a May Day rally marking International Workers' Day in Pristina, Kosovo.

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Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions take part in a Labour Day rally in Seoul, South Korea.

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Protesters hold light flares and chant as they march through central Paris during a May Day rally in Paris, France.

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Labourers wearing yellow t-shirts and white conical sun hats attend a protest during a May Day rally in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Reuters

Demonstrators light flares during a rally to mark International Labour Day in Surabaya, Indonesia.

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Thai workers hold banners as they demonstrate to mark International Workers' Day in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Workers hold banners and wave red flags as they take part in a demonstration to mark May Day in Naples, Italy.

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