High security at historic Istanbul rally for democracy

ISTANBUL (AA) - Heightened security greeted demonstrators attending Sunday’s massive Democracy and Martyrs’ Rally in Istanbul.

Bag checks and searches were carried out at the rally’s entrance points and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

Large numbers of police and security personnel were on duty for the cross-party event, which is to be addressed by the leaders of three of Turkey’s main political parties and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Political flags and banners have been banned from the event to underline the political consensus against the July 15 coup attempt.

Ambulances and more than 700 medics are on duty.