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

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

What We Know

On June 29, 2025, Turkish police detained over 50 individuals in Istanbul as they attempted to participate in a banned LGBTQ Pride parade. The Istanbul Bar Association reported that among those detained were four of their colleagues from the Human Rights Centre, emphasizing that these detentions were "arbitrary, unjust, and illegal" (The Guardian). The event has been banned annually since 2015 by the Turkish government, which cites concerns over public order and moral values as reasons for the prohibition (Reuters).

Witnesses reported that police arrested protesters in the Ortaköy district, and the area around Taksim Square, a traditional site for public gatherings, was heavily policed to prevent any assembly (The Guardian). Despite the ban, activists expressed their determination to participate, with one protester stating, "We didn’t give up, we came, we believed, we are here" (The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that over 50 people were detained at the Istanbul Pride parade is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Istanbul Bar Association's Human Rights Centre, a reputable organization, confirmed the number of detentions and described them as unjust (The Guardian). This aligns with reports from other outlets, including Reuters and ABC News, which also reported similar figures and the context of the detentions (Reuters, ABC News).

The reliability of these sources is high; they include established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The Guardian and Reuters, in particular, have a long history of reporting on human rights issues and government actions in Turkey, providing a balanced perspective on the situation.

However, it is essential to note that while the Turkish government has justified the ban on Pride events citing public order, this rationale has been criticized by human rights advocates who argue that it reflects broader systemic discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey (The Guardian).

The widespread homophobia in Turkey, including derogatory remarks from high-ranking officials, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, indicating that the detentions are part of a broader pattern of repression against LGBTQ+ rights (The Guardian).

Conclusion

The claim that "over 50 detained at Istanbul's banned LGBTQ Pride parade" is True. This is supported by multiple credible sources that confirm the number of detentions and provide context regarding the ongoing ban on Pride events in Istanbul. The actions taken by Turkish authorities reflect a significant and troubling trend of repression against LGBTQ+ rights in the country.