Turkish police detain 50 at banned Istanbul Pride march

Turkish police detained at least 50 people, including a journalist, during an unauthorized Pride march in Istanbul on Sunday, June 28, continuing a decade-long ban on the annual event. Authorities deployed a significant security operation, sealing off major public squares and restricting public transport to prevent gatherings.

The detentions occurred as participants attempted to march in several neighborhoods, including the Asian-side district of Kadıköy. Police, including plainclothes officers, intervened to break up the gatherings. Among those taken into custody was journalist Muberra Unsal, who was detained despite presenting a valid press card and identifying herself as a member of the press. The Turkish Journalists Union condemned her detention as unlawful interference.

In the days leading up to the march, the Istanbul Governor's Office had declared any Pride event unlawful, citing public order and security concerns. Authorities erected iron barriers around iconic Taksim Square, shut down metro stations serving key rally points, and banned demonstrations in designated areas. The crackdown also extended online, with access blocked to dozens of social media accounts belonging...