— D8 News (@D8News) June 19, 2016The organizers of the pride march put out a statement via Facebook condemning the ban as "a flagrant violation of the constitution and law."
Turkey's Amnesty International office said that 11 people were detained on Sunday.Related: 'I Feel Safe': Turkey's First Transgender Shelter Offers a Haven from Abuse
Trans Pride March & Press Release not allowed by police and crowds dispersed by using force. 11 protestors are detained. — Amnesty Turkey (@aforgutu)June 19, 2016
The official ban followed promises by ultra-nationalist and conservative groups to "do what is necessary" to stop pride celebrations from taking place."We will not allow degenerates to carry out their fantasies on this land, which our ancestors left us by paying a heavy price," said Kursat Mican, head of the Istanbul division of the ultra-nationalist youth group the Alperen Hearths, at a press conference last week. "We are not responsible for what will happen after this point… If you're not taught by experience, you're taught by a beating."Trans Pride activists dispersed by police. March not allowed/negotiations continue 4 press release — Amnesty Turkey (@aforgutu)June 19, 2016
Istanbul's riot police also came out in full force on Saturday after protests erupted over a Friday night incident in which 20 suspected religious hardliners beat up customers and staff at a record store in Istanbul for drinking alcohol and live-streaming Radiohead's new album, a Moon Shaped Pool, during Ramadan.Related: Turkish Police Use Water Cannons, Rubber Bullets, and Tear Gas on Gay Pride Parade
In a statement, Radiohead condemned the attack on the Velvet IndieGround. "We hope that someday we will be able to look back on such acts of violent intolerance as things of the ancient past."Riot police dispersed the angry protesters using water cannons and tear gas.Breaking: Turkey religious thugs storm @radiohead listening party in Istanbul, smashing up store and beating fans https://t.co/9mSJveQPCy
— Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) June 17, 2016
TURKEY - Anti riot police disperse protestors in Istanbul during a demo. against the islamist attack. By — AFP Photo Department (@AFPphoto)June 18, 2016