The Istanbul Municipality (district government) has banned the pride that LGBT societies planned to hold today within the “Week of Honor” in the central square of Taksim, Birgun newspaper reported, quoted by BTA.
Since last night, the square has been blocked by the police, who do not allow anyone to pass. The space is surrounded by fences, no movement of people is allowed. Police cars equipped with tear gas installations are stationed along the streets leading to the square.
Metro stations in Taksim Square and the neighboring districts of Shishkhane and Osmanbey are closed.
The funicular between Taksim and Kabatash on the Bosphorus coast has been cancelled.
The bans are said to be in place throughout the day.