Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of individuals detained during Istanbul’s banned Pride march, held in July. This appeal coincides with the scheduled trial of 53 participants and three activists, who are accused of violating a ban on Pride events issued by the governor of Istanbul. Such actions appear to conflict with a 2023 directive from the Committee of Ministers of the European Court of Human Rights, which urged Türkiye to refrain from arresting peaceful protestors, aligning with Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Details can be found here.
This legal clash is grounded in Türkiye’s Law 2911, specifically Article 19, which empowers governors to prohibit protests under the guise of national security, public order, public health, and morals, or to protect the rights and freedoms of others. Pride marches in Istanbul have been prohibited for nine years, citing public morality and security, a move rights groups argue lacks legal substantiation and is disproportionate to any claimed security concerns.
Reports indicate that police might have engaged in excessive force during these arrests, with allegations of torture and targeting those displaying LGBTQ+ symbols. Such claims reflect a broader context in which the freedom of assembly, although constitutionally protected in Türkiye, has been compromised, particularly following the failed coup attempts in 2015 and 2016. These events ushered in a state of emergency that reportedly targeted LGBTQ+ communities.
This trial comes amid increasing normalization of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric by Turkish state officials, as reported by Human Rights Watch following the 2023 elections. The continual pressure from human rights organizations underscores the tension between state authorities and activists advocating for freedom of expression and assembly.
The international community continues to monitor this situation closely, as it raises significant questions about the alignment of Türkiye’s domestic policies with broader human rights obligations. As these legal proceedings advance, the outcome may well influence both domestic and international perceptions of human rights practices in Türkiye.