Turkish taxi drivers protest Uber ahead of hearing

Amid a legal challenge to Uber, Turkish taxi drivers on Monday protested the ride-sharing company outside an Istanbul courthouse.

The demonstration, organized by the Istanbul Taxi Drivers Tradesmen’s Association (ITEO) outside the Caglayan Courthouse, had protesters holding signs saying “Uber = Global Thief” and “Uber get out of our country.” Taxi drivers passing by also supported the protest.

Addressing the protesters, ITEO head Eyup Aksu said they are fighting Uber not only for taxi drivers but also to protect the rights and security of the public.

“Everyone has seen taxi drivers’ years-long fight against unlicensed taxis. Uber’s activities are another aspect of unlicensed taxi transportation… This situation should concern not only cab drivers but everyone looking after the country’s interests,” he added.

He also said: “The number of taxi license plates is limited. Vehicles operating without taxi plates are doing unlicensed transportation,” urging people to not use the “American-made unlicensed Uber transportation system.”

The United Taxi Drivers Association filed a lawsuit against Uber in Turkey asking the government to block its application to offer transportation services.

Saying it needs to see an expert report on the issue, the court is due to reconvene on June 4.

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