TL;DR
- Approximately 50 people detained at Istanbul Pride.
- Police cited ‘security concerns’ for arrests.
- LGBTQ+ community continues to protest despite risks.
- Journalists also faced unlawful detentions.
- The event symbolizes resilience against oppression.
In a shocking turn of events, the vibrant and colorful Istanbul Pride parade was marred by police violence this past Sunday, June 28, 2025. After a decade-long ban, the event was supposed to be a celebration of love, identity, and resilience, but instead, it turned into a scene of chaos as Turkish authorities detained approximately 50 people.
Since 2015, the Istanbul Pride parade has faced a ban, but that hasn’t stopped the LGBTQ+ community from fighting back. This year, despite the risks, thousands gathered to reclaim their right to celebrate. However, the police, citing “security concerns” and the need to maintain “public order,” swooped in to disrupt the festivities. The irony? The event had drawn up to 100,000 peaceful attendees, all there to celebrate their identities.
Among those detained was Muberra Unsal, a journalist who was covering the event. Despite holding a valid press card and identifying herself as a member of the press, she was taken into custody. The Turkish Journalists’ Union condemned her detention, calling it “unlawful” and an example of the ongoing repression faced by those trying to document the realities of LGBTQ+ life in Turkey.
Footage from the event captured the moment undercover police officers began arresting Pride marchers on Kadıköy Moda Street. The crowd, undeterred by the police presence, chanted, “Today is our day, we are marching!” and carried signs proclaiming, “LGBT is human rights.” Their determination shone through the chaos, a testament to the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of oppression.
https://x.com/TGS_org_tr/status/2071226066945950090
As the world watches, the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey continues. Activists are not backing down, and the spirit of Pride lives on, even in the face of adversity. This year’s events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the need for solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
The Istanbul Pride event may have faced a crackdown, but the message is clear: the fight for rights and recognition will not be silenced. The world is watching, and the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey is ready to rise up again, stronger than ever.
https://x.com/eylemnazlier/status/2071195058221486277