At least 50 arrested at Istanbul Pride march; journalist detained

Turkish police arrested at least 50 individuals during Istanbul's annual Pride march on Sunday, as authorities enforced a ban on demonstrations and blocked major assembly points. Security forces heavily secured Taksim Square, a prominent city location, erecting metal barriers.

Prohibitions were also placed on gatherings in the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, and metro services were restricted in several central areas. The Union of Journalists in Turkey reported that journalist Muberra Unsal was among those detained, despite identifying herself as press. The union condemned the actions as illegal obstacles for journalists covering the event.

“

Journalists covering the Istanbul Pride march are once again facing illegal obstacles this year. Despite repeatedly identifying herself as a journalist, Unsal was detained.

Despite the police intervention, participants vowed to continue their protests. "The day is not over. In fact, we are just getting started. We will not give up. We will continue to take to the streets wherever we are," chanted demonstrators gathered in various parts of the city.

In a show of solidarity, the Istanbul Bar Association displayed a banner on its building stating, "LGBT rights are human rights." The Istanbul Pride march has faced annual bans since 2015. While homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, the LGBT+ community frequently faces criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has linked the community to declining birth rates.

“

The day is not over. In fact, we are just getting started. We will not give up. We will continue to take to the streets wherever we are.