Istanbul Police Detain 50 After Banned Pride March

Turkish police detained at least 50 people on Sunday after Istanbul's LGBTQ+ community held its annual Pride march. The government led by President Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted AK Party has toughened its stance on LGBTQ+ freedoms. Speaking after his election victory in a runoff last month, Erdogan accused opposition parties of being "pro-LGBT". On Sunday, police in riot gear prevented access to Istiklal Avenue, the traditional venue for Pride marches, as well as the central Taksim Square. Hundreds of people carrying rainbow and transgender flags gathered instead in Mistik Park in the Sisli district. They chanted slogans while organizers read a statement to mark Pride Week. A big rainbow flag was hung on a multi-story car park nearby. The World View Social links: Facebook:   / queernewstonight   Instagram:   / queer_news_tonight   The FayWhat?! Show:    / @faywhatt   It's Happening Out:    / itshappeningout   Center for the Performing Arts https://sunshinecathedral.org/sunshin... #Turkish #Police #LGBTQ #Community #Pride #March #Istanbul #Detained #President #Erdogan #ProLGBT #RiotGear #alferguson #queernewstonight