Organisers of Istanbul’s LGBTI+ Pride March have released a statement saying they have cancelled the 14th annual march after it was banned by Istanbul governor’s office.
“We are announcing, with sadness, that we will not be able to hold the 14th Pride March. But our confidence in ourselves, our horizon, and our dreams are much bigger than a march, Istiklal Avenue, this city, and this country,” the statement reads.
Organisers also accused the governor’s office of violating the “Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches” guaranteed by the Constitution as a democratic right
The Istanbul governor's office last week said the marches had been banned out of concern for safety. Security in the city is already tight after a series of recent bombings.
The ban also follows a warning from an ultra-nationalist youth group threatening the march.
On Sunday, Istanbul riot police fired tear gas and rubber pellets to disperse a march for transgender people, which was also prohibited by the authorities.
“Our fight for existence goes beyond yesterday, today, and the future because we were here, we are here, and we will be here,” the statement also reads.
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However, small, impromptu marches should be held to show the terrorists they will never win.
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