Turkey: Police in Istanbul crack down on LGBT rally
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 June 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey: Police in Istanbul crack down on LGBT rally, 20 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57a43be323.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 20, 2016
Police in the Turkish city of Istanbul have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up a rally by the LGBT community.
Riot police surrounded the main Taksim Square on June 19 to prevent the "Trans Pride" rally of about 150 people, which had gathered to kick off a week of LGBT events. Demonstrations on the square have been banned since 2013.
Turkish media reported that at least two people were detained after riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Citing security concerns over ultra-nationalist warnings against any such events on Turkish soil, authorities announced on June 17 that transgender and gay pride marches had been banned this month.
Included in the restriction is Turkey's annual Gay Pride parade which was scheduled for June 26.
The ban throughout June also coincides with a crackdown by Turkish police during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
Based on reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
