Pride Week Committee: We will Discuss Potential ISIS Attack with Security

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İstanbul Security Anti-Terror Bureau (TEM) has detained three people in Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) operation launched in Başakşehir and Pendik districts of İstanbul.

According to the report of Doğan News Agency (DHA), suicide attack vest, military camouflage, military knives and laser distance meter were seized in the searches. Z.A., B.A.H., and F.G. who were reportedly going and returning from ISIS’ conflict zones and transfer equipment to the organization members have been arrested.

The operation was reportedly launched on June 17 and that the police alleged that the suspects were getting prepared to launch attack on 7th Trans Pride Parade on June 19.

The Pride Week Committee has said they are yet to be informed by the Security and will ask whether the allegation is true.

What had happened?

The LGBTI Pride Parade being organized over 13 years was tried to be obstructed by the police for the first time last year.

Following the Orlando attack which claimed lives of 49 homosexuals, some groups in Turkey had issued threat messages and attack calls on the 7th İstanbul Trans Pride Parade to be held on June 19 and 14th İstanbul LGBTI+ Pride Parade to be held on June 26. 

İstanbul Governorship in its written statement had announced that it wouldn’t allow the 7th Trans Pride Parade and 14th İstanbul LGBTİ+ Pride Parade.

İstanbul LGBTİ Pride Week Committee claiming the Governorship’s decision is against the law has taken an action in Administrative Court for suspension of the execution.

In 7th Trans Pride Parade held on June 19, police attacked the activists with gas and plastic bullets after allowing them to read press statement. (ÇT/TK)