Fact Check: Over 50 detained at Istanbul's banned LGBTQ Pride parade

What We Know

On June 29, 2025, Turkish authorities detained over 50 individuals who attempted to participate in the annual LGBTQ Pride march in Istanbul, which has been banned since 2015. According to reports, a heavy police presence was deployed around the city to prevent gatherings, and the organizers were forced to change their meeting location multiple times (AP News). Yildiz Tar, editor-in-chief of the LGBTQ+ rights organization Kaos GL, confirmed that 54 people were detained, including six lawyers, while at least three journalists were also among those arrested (AP News, Washington Post). By the evening of the same day, seven detainees had been released, leaving 47 still in custody (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that "over 50 detained at Istanbul's banned LGBTQ Pride parade" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, a well-respected news agency, reported the detentions with specific numbers and details about the event's context, including the long-standing ban on the Pride march and the police's aggressive tactics to suppress it (AP News). Other outlets, such as the Washington Post and Reuters, corroborated these details, confirming the number of detainees and the police's actions.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, it is essential to note that the coverage may reflect a particular perspective on the Turkish government's stance towards LGBTQ+ rights, which has been criticized internationally. This context is crucial for understanding the implications of the events surrounding the Pride march.

The Turkish government's actions against LGBTQ+ events have been consistent over the past decade, with increasing crackdowns on gatherings that promote LGBTQ+ rights. The political climate in Turkey, particularly under the conservative Justice and Development Party, has contributed to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals (DW, The Guardian).

Conclusion

The claim that "over 50 detained at Istanbul's banned LGBTQ Pride parade" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that more than 50 individuals were detained during the attempted Pride march in Istanbul, reflecting the ongoing repression of LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey.

Fact Check: Over 50 detained at Istanbul's banned LGBTQ Pride parade