Activists say Istanbul Pride banned by Turkish authorities

Activists in Istanbul say Turkish authorities have banned a pride march for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights for the fifth year.

In a statement, the volunteer group organizing Istanbul Pride says the governor’s office banned the march in central Taksim district as well as a square designated for demonstrations west of the city.

Amnesty International called on Turkey this week to lift the “arbitrary ban.” It said authorities rejected all suggested locations in the city by deeming the LGBTI community “societally objectionable.”

An LGBT rights activist carries a flag in rainbow colors as a banner under a portrait of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 1, 2018 in Istanbul, after Turkish authorities banned the annual Gay Pride Parade for a fourth year in a row. (AFP Photo/Bulent Kilic)

Up to 100,000 people gathered for a pride march in Istanbul in 2014, but police have blocked such marches since.

Activists said they would continue voicing their demands.

— AP

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