Istanbul Pride March Meets Police Crackdown, Over 60 Detained

On June 28, 2026, Istanbul held its 24th Pride March despite bans issued by the Kadıköy and Beyoğlu district governors. Police erected barriers around Taksim Square, suspended several metro lines and set up a large cordon in Kadıköy. Demonstrators split into small groups that moved through streets such as Yaverbey, Keresteci Aziz, Şair Latifi, Moda and Ziverbey, continuing the event throughout the day.

Police intervened repeatedly, arresting at least 65 people – including LGBT activists, supporters and journalists – under the 2911 Assembly and Demonstration Law. The Istanbul LGBT Week Committee condemned the detentions, while members of the DEM Party and the Workers’ Party joined the march. Authorities said the arrests were necessary to maintain public order.