Activists kept from gathering en masse for Istanbul Pride

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Turkish police stopped activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights from gathering in large numbers for an LGBT pride event in Istanbul, but smaller groups made impromptu press statements defying a ban imposed by the governor.

Police established checkpoints in the area, preventing groups from entering Istiklal Avenue and turning back individuals who were deemed to be associated with the planned march. Small groups assembled on side streets were chased away by officers. At least a hundred protesters gathered in a nearby neighborhood, beating drums and chanting slogans such as, “Don’t be quiet, shout out, gays exist!” and “Love, love, freedom, State, stay away!” They carried a banner that read, “Get used to, we are here.”
Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds and activists said plastic bullets were also used.

In banning the event, the governor’s office on Saturday cited safety and public order. It also said a valid parade application had not been filed for yesterday’s event, a claim rejected by organizers.
The governor’s ban referred to “serious reactions by different segments of society” as several nationalist and religious groups called for the march’s cancellation.

http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/Indian_Express/400x60/0