The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) has published a concerning report on human rights violations during Pride Month events across Turkey. The report reveals that 23 individuals were detained by police at various Pride events, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTI community in the country.
Detentions During Pride Events
According to the TİHV report, detentions occurred during Pride events in multiple locations:
- Eskişehir: Police detained 10 participants at a local Pride event.
- Istanbul: Two separate events in the districts of Şişli and Kadıköy led to the detention of 13 individuals.
While all detainees were released the same day, five were placed under judicial supervision, indicating continued legal scrutiny.
Governmental Actions Restricting Pride Events
The report also details governmental actions aimed at restricting Pride events:
- Antalya: The Governor’s Office imposed a 15-day ban on all outdoor gatherings and events during Pride Month.
- Istanbul: District governors in Şişli and Kadıköy banned specific Pride events.
- June 30, 2024: The Istanbul Governor’s Office further restricted activities by closing the area between Taksim Square and Karaköy Square to vehicular traffic and limiting pedestrian movement.
Context and Background
June is internationally recognised as Pride Month, a time when LGBTI individuals and allies gather to demand equal rights and an end to discrimination. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, societal homophobia is widespread, creating a challenging environment for LGBTI individuals.
In 2014, Istanbul's Pride March drew over 100,000 participants. Since then, the government, led by the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP), has banned subsequent Pride events, citing security concerns. Despite bans, LGBTI groups have attempted to hold marches, often leading to police confrontations and detentions. Participants have faced charges such as “participating in an unlawful assembly” or “failing to disperse despite warnings,” with potential prison sentences of up to three years.
On May 17, 2024, Amnesty International urged Turkish authorities to prevent a repeat of the violence and discrimination witnessed in previous years. In 2023, at least 224 people, including lawyers and journalists, were detained during Pride events across Turkey.
Increasing Hostility Towards the LGBTI Community
The political discourse in Turkey has been increasingly hostile towards the LGBTI community. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other AKP politicians frequently denounce LGBTI individuals, labelling them as threats to family values and societal norms. The 2023 Rainbow Europe Map, published by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA)-Europe, ranked Turkey 48th out of 49 countries regarding the human rights of LGBTI people. This ranking highlights the severe challenges faced by the LGBTI community in Turkey.
The TİHV report on the detention of 23 individuals during Pride Month events underscores the ongoing human rights issues in Turkey. Despite international pressure and local advocacy, the Turkish government continues to impose severe restrictions on LGBTI activities, reflecting a broader pattern of discrimination and repression. The resilience of the LGBTI community and their allies, however, signals a persistent struggle for equality and human rights in the face of adversity.