Fact Check: "Police clashed with activists holding rainbow flags in Istanbul."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, Turkish police detained at least 30 people during an attempted Pride March in Istanbul, which had been banned by local authorities. This event was part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ events that has been ongoing since 2015. Footage from the scene showed police engaging in physical confrontations with activists who were holding rainbow flags, as they attempted to gather in the city center. Kezban Konukcu, a lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, confirmed the detentions and described the police actions as part of a systematic suppression of LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey (CNN, NBC News).
The Istanbul governor's office had previously declared the march unlawful, citing public safety concerns. Since 2015, authorities have consistently banned Pride marches in Turkey's largest city, claiming that such events threaten public order and security. Despite these bans, LGBTQ+ activists have continued to organize small gatherings to assert their visibility and rights (Reuters, DW).
Analysis
The claim that police clashed with activists holding rainbow flags in Istanbul is supported by multiple reliable sources. Reports from CNN and NBC News provide detailed accounts of the events, including the police's use of force and the detentions of activists. The sources are credible, as they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on human rights issues and LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey.
The context of the event is crucial. The Turkish government has been criticized for its increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals and for suppressing freedom of assembly. The consistent bans on Pride marches since 2015 reflect a broader trend of diminishing civil liberties in Turkey. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned these actions, highlighting the risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey (CNN).
While some may argue that the police actions were justified on the grounds of public safety, the repeated bans and aggressive responses to peaceful gatherings suggest a systematic effort to silence dissent and marginalize the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
The claim that police clashed with activists holding rainbow flags in Istanbul is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that police engaged in confrontations with LGBTQ+ activists during a banned Pride March, leading to numerous detentions. The ongoing suppression of LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey, coupled with the government's justification for such actions, underscores the severity of the situation for activists in the country.
