NEWS.- It was not yet 5 in the afternoon and groups of protesters were trying to concentrate in the downtown Taksim Square and Istikal Street, where the march had been called to celebrate the Gay Pride Day. But at that time you could see an imposing police deployment that blocked the way and tried to contain the hundreds of young people who arose from all corners raising rainbow flags.
Without warning and in view of the protesters' unwillingness to resign, the police started a charge, but thousands of newcomers began to join the crowd, until the riot police were surrounded by a crowd that, to their surprise, applauded and encouraged them to join the party.
Far from accepting the invitation, the Turkish police have attacked with tear gas, rubber balls and pressure water cannons at demonstrators that, since it is a peaceful protest, they have retired with a festive air to the northern area of Taksim.
The organizers of the event have explained the events as follows: “The police attack tens of thousands of people with pepper spray, rubber bullets and water-throwing cars. All entrances and exits to Taksim and Istiklal Street were closed. We call on the Governor of Istanbul, Vasip Sahin, to abide by the Constitution of the Turkish Republic, to immediately stop the attacks and to issue a public statement. And they add: “We are here, get used to it, we will not leave! Love triumphs ».
It is speculated that the repression may have been due to the coincidence of the march with the celebration of the month of Ramadan, but there is the circumstance that in the past that coincidence had not meant any kind of ban on a march that has been taking place for 13 for years and that, in its first edition in the 2003 year, gathered only 30 people.
Turkey is one of the few countries in the region where homosexuality is not banned, but egalitarian marriage is not legalized. Despite being a fairly liberal country in its customs, the Muslim population turns out to be very conservative.
Perhaps what happened yesterday in Istanbul helps us all to remember why it is still necessary to claim and celebrate the Day of Orgullo.
News Gayles.tv
Online TV
