24th Pride Parade Held in Istanbul: 65 Detained Participants Released

The 24th LGBT Pride Parade took place in Istanbul despite bans by the authorities. According to Bianet , the administrations of the Beyoğlu and Kadıköy districts banned all events, and the Istanbul Governorate restricted the operation of some metro and funicular stations.

Despite the restrictions, LGBT activists marched on several streets in the Kadıköy district on June 28. Police dispersed the crowd, detaining at least 65 people, including journalists. It is reported that some detainees were subjected to ill-treatment.

On the night of June 29, all 65 detainees were released from the Istanbul Police Department. Protocols were drawn up against them for violating the law on meetings and demonstrations. The Istanbul Pride Week Committee stated that they will continue their activities despite the detentions.