Pride March Observation Report by HRFT and SPoD: “11 people were detained after the Pride March was completed”

23/07/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey and Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association published the “22nd Istanbul Pride March Observation Report”.

Photograph: Tuğçe Yılmaz

The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT / TİHV) and the Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD) have released a report detailing their observations of the 22nd Istanbul Pride March, which took place on 30 June 2024. The report asserts that individuals detained during the Pride March were subjected to ill-treatment by the police. The report also highlights that the police prepared false reports concerning the events and the people detained.

The report is based on observations from 12 individuals who monitored the events regarding the 22nd İstanbul Pride March took place on June 30th, 2024. Within the scope of the report it was stated that the first observer reached the area at 09:16 on 1 July, and the last observer left at 00:33.

3 detainees are under 18

The report highlights that there were statements targeting LGBTI+ individuals in the cautionary decision announced by the Istanbul Governorship on social media, in the Kadıköy District Governorship’s ban order shown to lawyers after the detentions, and in the incident report prepared by the police. Despite claims in the incident report that “Disperse” announcements were made and the district governorship's decision was notified to the people before detentions, SPoD and HRFT observers noted that these procedures were not fulfilled.

Eight detainees were arbitrarily deprived of their liberty for 7 hours and 54 minutes

According to the report 11 people were detained after the Pride March had concluded, a fact also noted in police minutes. Among those detained, three individuals were under the age of 18. Despite their ages being confirmed during identification, these minors were handcuffed behind their backs, which is a violation of the Child Protection Law.

The report states that eight detainees were handcuffed behind their backs, and tight and/or reverse handcuffing was used as a method of punishment. Basic needs, such as water and food, were not met during detention. These eight detainees were arbitrarily deprived of their liberty for 7 hours and 54 minutes.

Tags: human rights