PrideWatch2017: Istanbul Pride 2017 banned by Governor’s Office
The 2017 Istanbul Pride march has been banned by the city’s governor, one day before it was due to take place.
Print HTMLThe Pride march was planned for Sunday 25 June in the vicinity of Taksim Square.
In an official press statement released today (Saturday 24 June), Istanbul Governor’s Office listed several reasons not to allow the event.
Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week Committee have since issued their own press statement, clearly identifying dates where they requested meetings with the Istanbul authorities to discuss their application.
The organisers submitted a request, as they have done many years previously, and proactively sought meetings on the event.
ILGA-Europe are upset by the latest developments – freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental human rights that cannot be dispensed with for political reasons. Authorities always have a duty to defend these rights in the face of hostile opposition – and during a state of emergency.
2017 is Istanbul Pride Week’s 25th anniversary year, and would have been the 15th march. To have this incredible milestone disrupted at the last moment is incredibly disturbing - for the organisers, local supporters and allies as well as the wider European LGBTI community.
ILGA-Europe are in touch with organisers and activists on the ground in Istanbul and will share additional information on the situation as it develops.
#yürüyoruz #PrideWatch2017
