PRIDE PARADEGOERS IN ISTANBUL MET WITH PEPPER SPRAY FROM POLICE

(Photo: Demotix)

Those who attended the gay pride parade in Istanbul on Sunday were met with pepper spray and rubber pellets, courtesy of Turkish police.

Participants of the parade say it’s not just their sexual orientation, but their minority status that caused riot police to chase them out of Istanbul’s main commercial district where the parade was to begin. Activists believe Turkey’s government wishes to silence anyone officials see as a threat to the conservative ruling Justice and Development Party.

“This is happening after the elections because they realize the power of the LGBTI movement,” said one transgender advocate. “Erdogan’s government has lost their power and they know the LGBTI community stands with other minorities.”

The gay pride parade in Istanbul has been a peaceful affair for the past 13 years.

Activists believe the tension was caused by SCOTUS’ ruling for same-sex marriage, which was celebrated by the LGBTI community in Turkey.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/28/world/turkey-pride-parade-lgbt-violence/