Rights violations and event bans during Pride Month

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The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) Documentation Center has prepared an information note regarding the events planned for Pride Month and the human rights violations against the participants between June 2 and June 27, 2023.

Here are the highlights from the information note:

- All types of demonstrations and events related to Pride Month have been banned in 3 cities and 1 district. Additionally, a total of 4 events have been banned, 3 by district governors and 1 by a university rector.

- At least 9 demonstrations and events were intervened with the use of physical violence, resulting in the arrest of at least 205 individuals, including 4 children. At least 2 people were injured.

- Two events organized by bar associations in 2 cities faced phobic attacks.

- Governors in İstanbul and Izmir made statements on social media declaring that they would not allow Pride Marches, which they described as a threat to the institution of family, essential for our nation and state, and contrary to laws and societal values.

- An İstanbul MP of the Green Left Party filed a criminal complaint against the General Directorate of Security regarding the police intervention during the Istanbul Trans Pride March.

- Three concerts planned to be held in 2 cities by 2 musicians were canceled citing phobic and sexist reactions they faced following their statements. (EMK/VK)