Turkish police stop Istanbul LGBT march

Turkish police prevented people from gathering in large numbers for LGBT Pride in Istanbul as small groups yesterday demonstrated despite a ban issued by the governor.

Organisers of the 2017 Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride called for the march in central Taksim Square, using a Turkish hashtag for “we march”.

The Istanbul governor’s office on Saturday banned theevent–forthethirdyear in a row – citing reasons of safety and public order.

Police established checkpoints in the area yesterday, preventing groups from entering Istiklal Avenue and turning back people who they deemed were associated with the march.

At least a hundred protesters gathered in the nearby Cihangir neighborhood, beating drums and chanting slogans: “Don’t be quiet, shout out, gays exist!”

Police also used tear gas to disperse crowds and activists said plastic bullets were used.

Pride organisers said in a statement yesterday that the threats themselves should be dealt with rather than limiting demonstrations.