Türkiye: Prides Must Be Allowed To Proceed
Authorities in Türkiye have unlawfully and systematically hindered Pride marches since 2015, violating the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, expression, and non-discrimination, protected under both the Turkish Constitution and international law, including the ICCPR and European human rights standards. Authorities have imposed blanket bans on Pride marches and related LGBTI events, including film screenings and picnics. In 2022, LGBTI rights organizations documented at least 10 Pride events banned across the country, with over 530 people detained during the Pride season.
During the 2023 Pride season, at least six provinces (Eskişehir, Aydın, Kocaeli, Antalya, Adana, İzmir) and four districts (Kadıköy, Şişli, Beyoğlu, Datça) announced blanket bans on Pride month events lasting from a day to a month. At least 224 people were arbitrarily detained across the country, including peaceful protesters, lawyers, journalists, foreign nationals, and bystanders. Many detainees faced baseless prosecutions or intimidation, contributing to a climate of fear and suppression.
The 2024 Pride season also saw continued bans, police violence, and public vilification of LGBTI rights activists and their allies, demonstrating a persistent pattern of repression. Although fewer people were detained than in previous years, this was largely due to the chilling effect of prior crackdowns, forcing organisers and participants to find innovative ways to circumvent bans and protect themselves. Solidarity actions remained notable but limited.
States have a positive obligation to facilitate peaceful assembly, enshrined in both domestic law and international human rights treaties Türkiye is party to. The Turkish Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly without government authorization. Turkish authorities must refrain from imposing blanket bans as they are a disproportionate restriction on the right to peaceful assembly and may have a discriminatory impact on LGBTI people. Any dispersal of assemblies must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination, only used as a last resort to protect legitimate aims that outweigh this right. Law enforcement officials must avoid force wherever possible, and any use of force must be necessary and proportionate.
The continued suppression of Pride events and LGBTI rights defenders violates Türkiye’s legal obligations and undermines the fundamental rights of its citizens.