ISTANBUL — Turkish police detained at the least 50 folks on Sunday after Istanbul’s LGBT group held their annual Pride march.
The authorities led by President Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted AK Party has toughened its stance on LGBTQ+ freedoms. Speaking after his election victory in a runoff final month, Erdogan accused opposition events of being “pro-LGBT.”
On Sunday, police in riot gear prevented entry to Istiklal Avenue, the standard venue for Pride marches, in addition to the central Taksim Square. Streets close by have been blockaded and public transport within the space was suspended.
On Sunday afternoon, lots of of individuals carrying rainbow and transgender flags gathered as an alternative in Mistik Park within the Sisli district.
They chanted slogans whereas organizers learn an announcement to mark Pride week. A giant rainbow flag was held on a multi-storey automobile park close by.
Groups of individuals carrying rainbow flags marched within the streets of the Sisli district earlier than organizers referred to as on them to disperse.
Police held greater than 50 folks after the march, organizers mentioned. Amnesty International’s Turkey workplace mentioned at the least one particular person suffered head accidents whereas being detained by police.
Organizers mentioned their group had already been focused by Erdogan.
“We don’t accept this hate and denial policy,” Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week mentioned of their assertion.
In the coastal metropolis of Izmir, the nation’s third largest, police detained at the least 44 folks on Sunday after authorities banned the Pride march, Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week mentioned.
Homosexuality shouldn’t be a criminal offense in Turkey, however hostility to it’s widespread and police crackdowns on Pride parades have grow to be more durable over time.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul mentioned on Twitter this month that any exercise threatening the standard household construction wouldn’t be allowed. — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
