Police disperse LGBT group in Istanbul over banned pride march
ISTANBUL
Police dispersed a group of around 50 people who wanted to stage a LGBT Trans Pride March on the afternoon of June 19 in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, despite a ban on the march announced by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.Demonstrators blowing whistles and holding placards gathered on side streets of the Beyoğlu district to march toward Taksim Square, where a huge police presence was blocking entry.
Riot police used teargas to disperse the participants as they attempted to march toward the square.
A group of around 15 people who wanted to protest against the march were also detained.
Istanbul police took strict measures ahead of the event, after the city’s governor announced that they would not allow any LGBT Pride events, due to take place between June 19 and June 26, citing security concerns and public order.
The governor’s ban on the parade came just three days after the Alperen Hearths, an ultranationalist youth organization linked to the nationalist Great Union Party (BBP), vowed that they would prevent the march.
The main LGBT Pride March scheduled for June 26 has also been banned by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.
The march was held for 13 consecutive years until last year, when it was subjected to a heavy police intervention with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Riot police used teargas to disperse the participants as they attempted to march toward the square.
A group of around 15 people who wanted to protest against the march were also detained.
Istanbul police took strict measures ahead of the event, after the city’s governor announced that they would not allow any LGBT Pride events, due to take place between June 19 and June 26, citing security concerns and public order.
The governor’s ban on the parade came just three days after the Alperen Hearths, an ultranationalist youth organization linked to the nationalist Great Union Party (BBP), vowed that they would prevent the march.
The main LGBT Pride March scheduled for June 26 has also been banned by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.
The march was held for 13 consecutive years until last year, when it was subjected to a heavy police intervention with tear gas and rubber bullets.
