Riot Turkish police disperse hundreds of people in Istanbul after the government banned the Pride Parade alleging that the parade could cause “public unrest due to society’s sensitivities”.
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey, serving as the country’s economic, cultural and historic hub.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Turkey face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, though Turkey’s LGBT rights are considered to be relatively progressive compared to most other Muslim-majority countries. Turkish police blocked hundreds of people from gathering for Istanbul’s annual Pride parade on 26th, June, Sunday and detained dozens of LGBT persons after local authorities banned the march from going ahead again this year. Turkish police broke up a banned Pride march in Istanbul. Turkey’s largest city has banned the march since 2015, but large crowds gather every year to mark the end of Pride Month. Local residents banged pots, pans and banners from their windows and balconies to show their support for the marchers.