Hundreds of Kurdish protesters have clashed with security forces in at least two southeastern Turkish towns during springtime celebrations.
Violence broke out in the southeastern cities of Batman and Cizre when police tried to prevent protesters from celebrating Norouz, a traditional spring festival that marks the Persian New Year.
In Batman, 15 people were reported wounded when Turkish police used water cannon and tear gas against stone-throwing Kurds.
The clashes erupted two days after Norouz festivities in Istanbul and Diyarbakir saw at least nine people injured.
Authorities say the festival must be celebrated on March 21 as usual, but Kurdish groups defied the ban.
Nowruz serves as a rallying show of support for the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Violence broke out in the southeastern cities of Batman and Cizre when police tried to prevent protesters from celebrating Norouz, a traditional spring festival that marks the Persian New Year.
In Batman, 15 people were reported wounded when Turkish police used water cannon and tear gas against stone-throwing Kurds.
The clashes erupted two days after Norouz festivities in Istanbul and Diyarbakir saw at least nine people injured.
Authorities say the festival must be celebrated on March 21 as usual, but Kurdish groups defied the ban.
Nowruz serves as a rallying show of support for the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
