Turkish police detain over 50 people in crackdown on Istanbul Pride march
On June 29, 2025, Istanbul once again became the site of a harsh crackdown against LGBTQ+ rights. Turkish police detained over 50 people, including lawyers and journalists, ahead of the annual Pride march. Although organizers made efforts to avoid detection by keeping the location secret, security forces acted swiftly and blocked off possible gathering areas.
Rights group Kaos GL reported that six lawyers and at least three journalists were among those arrested. Meanwhile, Turkey’s largest trade union federation, DISK, confirmed that the detainees were being held in various police stations.
Istanbul Pride: From Celebration to Target
Once considered the largest Pride event in the Muslim world, Istanbul Pride has transformed dramatically. In the early 2010s, it drew tens of thousands to the streets. However, since 2015, authorities have banned the event every year, citing “public order” and “security concerns.”
Activists believe these justifications mask a growing campaign to silence the LGBTQ+ community. The current government, led by President Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), has made increasingly hostile statements about queer identities. As a result, public events like Pride have been forced underground.
Heavy Police Presence Prevents Any Gathering
Despite last-minute location changes, police deployed across central Istanbul, preventing even small groups from assembling. Officers quickly detained individuals suspected of participating, often without clear legal grounds.
By evening, only seven people had been released. At least 47 remained in custody, with some still awaiting legal representation. Human rights observers warned that this type of “preventive detention” violates both Turkey’s constitution and international human rights norms.
Lawyers and Journalists Also Detained
The presence of lawyers and members of the press among those arrested raised serious concerns. According to the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions, this marked a troubling escalation. Not only were protestors targeted, but so were those reporting on or defending them.
Kezban Konukcu, a parliamentarian from the opposition DEM Party, criticized the detentions strongly. She stated, “The government won’t be able to cling to power by demonizing the LGBTQ+ community and silencing every voice of dissent.”
Legal Protections Fall Short
While same-sex relationships are not criminalized in Turkey, LGBTQ+ people lack explicit legal protections. No laws prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, authorities have broad discretion to suppress LGBTQ+ expression under vague legal pretexts.
Although the Turkish Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, officials continue to ban LGBTQ+ events under the guise of security. This legal gray zone allows law enforcement to act without much oversight.
A History of Repression
Unfortunately, this year’s crackdown follows a familiar pattern. In 2022, police detained nearly 300 people who attempted to march during Istanbul Pride. University clubs supporting LGBTQ+ rights have also faced bans. Furthermore, queer representation in Turkish media is shrinking due to increasing censorship.
The Turkish government frequently portrays LGBTQ+ visibility as a threat to national identity. In official speeches, leaders blame queer communities for weakening family values and accuse them of promoting “Western agendas.”
Online Resistance Gains Momentum
Despite the physical suppression, support for Pride surged online. Hashtags like #OnurYürüyüşü and #PrideIstanbul trended on Turkish social media. Many users shared solidarity messages and demanded the release of the detainees.
Digital platforms remain a powerful tool for LGBTQ+ activism in Turkey. Since physical marches are often shut down, the internet provides a critical space for organizing, raising awareness, and maintaining visibility.
International Rights Groups Respond
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned the detentions. They called on Turkish authorities to release all individuals arrested for simply exercising their rights.
“These crackdowns are politically motivated,” said one representative. “Pride is not a threat. It is a peaceful expression of identity and dignity.”
Silence from Global Powers Raises Questions
While civil society reacted quickly, the international response from governments remained limited. Although Turkey is a NATO member and has strong trade ties with Europe and the U.S., very few governments took formal action or applied pressure.
Activists argue that this silence sends the wrong message. They say that foreign allies should hold Turkey accountable for its human rights record and use diplomatic tools to demand change.
Pride Spirit Remains Unshaken
Despite the crackdown, Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community remains determined. Even in the face of police violence, legal uncertainty, and social stigma, activists continue to fight for their right to exist and be seen.
“We may be arrested, but we are not invisible,” said one activist in Istanbul. “Pride is more than a parade—it’s a declaration of who we are and a demand for equality.”
Conclusion: Pride Lives On Through Resistance
The detentions at Istanbul Pride 2025 mark another dark moment in Turkey’s ongoing campaign against LGBTQ+ expression. However, they also highlight the courage of those who continue to stand up, speak out, and resist erasure.
As the world watches, one question remains: Will global voices rise in solidarity, or will silence embolden further repression? Either way, the message from Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community is clear—Pride is not going away.
