Police officers used tear gas, dogs, and batons to split up people participating in Istanbul’s 16th Anuual Pride March this Sunday.
Despite the march going on for more than a decade, Istanbul’s governor banned the march for the fourth consecutive year. Last year, the governor cited concerns about “public order” and the “security of citizens and tourists” after an ultranationalist group threatened the march.
??? flags raised in Mis street during #Istanbulpride right now. People are cheering of joy and dansing in the street. #OnurYürüyüşü #pride pic.twitter.com/FKomIGYJv7
— Lene Christensen (@ChristensenLene) July 1, 2018
That said, it is illegal for the governor to ban the march no matter what his public excuse is.
“The governor has once again committed a crime by discriminating against a specific part of society,” said Amnesty International, “Peacefully gathering and marching are rights under domestic and international laws that the governor of Istanbul must uphold.”
As such, thousands showed up to the march anyway. Police permitted the reading of a statement by march organizers, which said, “We do not recognize this ban.”
banned but not cancelled ?? #OnurYürüyüşü #Pride2018 #prideistanbul #loveislove pic.twitter.com/yEKCbWJJ7O
— didem (@didiimarley) July 1, 2018
In addition, several march participants chanted, “We do not obey, we do not shut up, we are not afraid.”
Unfortunately, police officers used the earlier mentioned violent methods to push marchers back as they proceeded. Some that were affected by the tear gas washed their faces while others ran into nearby buildings.
#OnurYürüyüşü #prideistanbul police detaining protestors & attacking on press pic.twitter.com/bZZuNHVFdt
— anıl (@aniltheanil) July 1, 2018
Running from the police, round 1. Istanbul pride. (And yes, I took this while I was also running…) #OnurYürüyüşü #Pride pic.twitter.com/PMdAqvxZiG
— Miki (@MikiTakesPhotos) July 1, 2018
While homosexuality is legal in Turkey, there’s still a strong sense of homophobia in the country. In addition, the Turkish government has been ridiculed for not protecting its citizens and updating law to give minorities discrimination protections.
Today 11 people were arrested at #IstanbulPride after authorities banned the event, but the LGBT+ community made it clear they would not be silenced.
Take a photo outside our shop and show your support.
? 72 Old Compton Street#PrideMatters | #PrideInLondon | #OnurYürüyüşü pic.twitter.com/rYaJMG6s3n
— Pride in London (@PrideInLondon) July 1, 2018
