Istanbul Authorities Ban LGBT Pride Week Events

Global Pride event in Istanbul, June 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/SEDAT SUNA

"We have obtained information that between 21.06.2022 (Tuesday) and 23.06.2022 (Thursday) gatherings, press releases, marches, distribution of leaflets, etc. are planned to be held within the scope of the 30th Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week," the governors' offices said in a statement.

"All events are banned in all open and closed areas for 7 (seven) days," the statement added.

The reasons given for the ban were to prevent crime and to maintain peace and security.

The decision was condemned by the organisers and NGOs.

"This decision is illegal and we would like to inform you that we will use all our rights and make the necessary objections. We would like to thank our entire network of lawyers and venues that have supported us. We won't give up, we are not afraid!" the organisers of Istanbul Pride Week in a statement.

The organisers accused police of putting pressure on the Pride venues by asking for tax documents. They said that the events will continue in safe places and online.

Turkey was the first, and one of the few, Muslim-majority countries that had Pride events and marches.

However, in recent years with the increasingly Islamist policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's governments, the events and marches have often been banned and police have used force to disperse Pride participants.