Turkish police fine 11 New Year's Eve revelers for hosting party with belly dancer

Turkish police fined some 11 citizens for organizing a New Year's Eve party with a belly dancer, despite strict instructions from the Interior Ministry against all celebrations. Ankara had previously issued a four-day nationwide lockdown that covered the holiday.

Friday January 01 2021 12:59 pm

Duvar English

Turkish police fined some 11 citizens a total of 34,650 Turkish Liras for organizing a New Year's Eve party in the western province of Bursa, and even inviting a belly dancer, a Turkish tradition for celebrations.

Bursa residents broadcast the celebration on social media, leading to law enforcement's detection of the gathering that violated a strict ban on all New Year's Eve celebrations.

Turkey's Interior Ministry had previously issued a nationwide four-day lockdown from Dec. 31 to Jan. 4, and established a fine of 3,150 liras per person for all celebrations.

The party-goers also violated standard COVID-19 restrictions such as safe distancing and wearing a mask.