Turkey: Police arrest over 50 at banned Istanbul Pride March

Istanbul's Pride March faced a significant police crackdown on Sunday, with authorities arresting at least 50 individuals, including a journalist, as large gatherings were prohibited and key public spaces were heavily secured.

Police erected metal barriers around the iconic Taksim Square, a traditional gathering point, and local authorities banned demonstrations in various locations, including the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of the city. Metro services were also restricted in several central areas, disrupting movement for potential participants.

The Turkish Union of Journalists reported that reporter Muberra Unsal was among those detained, despite repeatedly identifying herself as a member of the press. The union criticized the "illegal obstacles" faced by journalists covering the event.

Despite the police presence and prohibitions, LGBTQ+ demonstrators gathered in different parts of the city, chanting their determination to continue protesting. "The day is not over. In fact, we are just beginning. We do not give up. We will continue to take to the streets wherever we are," they declared.

This crackdown follows a recent order for a gay bar in Istanbul to close due to alleged regulatory violations. The closure occurred after Islamist groups protested online against a planned cruise for LGBTQ+ travelers, stating that the cruise's stop in Turkey was organized by the owner of the now-closed bar. The cruise ship later altered its itinerary, removing its Istanbul stop.

While homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, the LGBTQ+ community frequently faces verbal attacks, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan having previously blamed the community for a declining birth rate.

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El día no ha terminado. En realidad, recién estamos empezando. No renunciamos. Seguiremos saliendo a la calle, dondequiera que estemos