On June 26, 2017 CBS News reported: ISTANBUL — At least 44 people were detained during a march for LGBT rights that the governor of Istanbul had banned, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported Monday, while Europe’s top human rights organization criticized the country for barring the event for a third year running.
Anadolu Agency said 20 people who “reacted against” the march were among those detained Sunday. Ultranationalist and religious groups had threatened the 15th Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride March in the week leading up to it.
Organizers said 25 people who tried to go on with the banned event were also detained, including two minors and a Danish activist. They were released after questioning.
The governor’s office banned Pride for the third year in a row, citing safety and public order grounds. It also listed “serious reactions by different segments of society” as a reason for the ban.
Police set up checkpoints to prevent people from entering Istanbul’s main thoroughfare and marching en masse. Police also used tear gas and plastic bullets on groups of participants.
Read more at: Turkish police arrest dozens at Istanbul’s banned LGBT pride event – CBS News
