LGBTI Intergroup MEP heading to Istanbul Pride
This Sunday, the 25th edition of the Istanbul Pride will take place. From the European Parliament Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, Terry Reintke MEP will march along.
Over the last two years, Pride marches were banned and police used rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas to disperse marchers who gathered.
Prior to the bans, Istanbul Pride events attracted tens of thousands of people.
Intergroup Member Terry Reintke MEP will be attending the Pride week and march in Istanbul. “On Sunday I will march for a Turkey that respects human rights, and where LGBTI people can freely be themselves,” she said.
“Despite Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian rule, I am sure that this Sunday, again, thousands of people will defend their rights, and stand up against homo- and transphobia!”
Kati Piri MEP, Member of the LGBTI Intergroup, and the Parliament’s rapporteur for relations with Turkey, added: “In these challenging times for Turkish democracy, this Pride is more necessary than ever!”
“Istanbul is a city of diversity and has a long tradition of peaceful Pride parades. I call on Turkish authorities to guarantee that police forces will protect the LGBTI community and enable a safe and peaceful Pride march, free from violence.”
Read more
