In a significant escalation of its decade-long suppression of LGBTQ+ rights, Turkish authorities detained over 50 individuals in Istanbul on Sunday, June 29, 2025, as they attempted to participate in the banned annual Pride March. The event, which has been prohibited since 2015, has become a focal point for activists challenging the government’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues
Details of the Crackdown
According to reports from the Associated Press, the detained individuals included six lawyers and at least three journalists, highlighting concerns over the broader implications for civil liberties and press freedom in the country. The Istanbul Bar Association condemned the detentions, describing them as “arbitrary, unjust, and illegal,” and called for the immediate release of those detained.
The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DISK) also expressed alarm over the arrests, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights to assembly and expression. The heavy police presence in key areas of the city, including Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue, effectively blocked any significant gatherings, forcing organizers to relocate multiple times in an attempt to circumvent the authorities’ efforts.
Political Reactions
Kezban Konukcu, a Member of Parliament from the opposition Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), was among those detained during the event. In a statement, Konukcu criticized the government’s actions, asserting that targeting the LGBTQ+ community would not help preserve political power. She emphasized that such measures were counterproductive and detrimental to the country’s democratic values.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has consistently justified the ban on the Pride March by citing concerns over public order and morality. However, critics argue that these justifications are pretexts for suppressing dissent and curbing civil liberties. The ongoing crackdown is seen as part of a broader effort to appeal to conservative constituents by stigmatizing LGBTQ+ individuals and limiting their visibility and rights.
Broader Implications
The events of June 29, 2025, underscore the growing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ activists in Turkey, where public demonstrations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights have been increasingly met with resistance and repression. The detentions have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, who view the crackdown as a violation of fundamental freedoms and an alarming trend towards authoritarianism.
Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the Pride March, the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies remains evident. Activists continue to organize clandestine gatherings and employ creative strategies to raise awareness and advocate for their rights. The international community has been urged to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey and to hold the government accountable for its actions.
The detentions during the Istanbul Pride March serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey. As the government intensifies its crackdown on dissent and civil liberties, the need for a robust and united response from both domestic and international actors becomes increasingly urgent. The events of June 29, 2025, mark a significant chapter in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey, highlighting the resilience of activists and the challenges they continue to face in their pursuit of equality and justice.
