Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump Finalizes Economic Agreements in Middle East Amid Top Headlines

May 15, 2025

Trump Can Revoke Protected Status for Immigrants

May 31, 2025

Trump Requests Supreme Court to Uphold Transgender Military Ban Temporarily

April 26, 2025

U.S. Institute of Peace Employees Face Layoffs, Sources Report

March 29, 2025

Musk’s PAC Launches Million-Dollar Trump Ad Amidst Government DOGE Surge

March 5, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Trump Opposes Israeli Annexation of the West Bank
  • Road-Legal Flying Car to Start Airport Testing with Vertical Takeoff
  • Indictment of Former Official Triggers Intense National Political Debate
  • US Indicates Possible Lifting of F-35 Sales Ban to Turkey Amid Trump-Erdoğan Talks
  • James Comey Indicted for Lying to Congress
  • Students Take Action at Gölbaşı KYK Dormitory
  • Former FBI Director Indicted on Two Charges
  • Delta to Replace Engines on Airbus Fleet to Combat Toxic Fumes
  • HSBC Achieves Breakthrough in Bond Trading Using Quantum Computing
  • Lawyers Assert Disability Did Not Contribute to Man’s Death on Roller Coaster
  • Gaza Flotilla Faces Music Disruption from Abba Broadcasts
  • U.S. to Implement Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals, Furniture, and Heavy Trucks
  • Seized Coral from Indonesia Rescued and Relocated to New York Aquarium
  • BP Withdraws from Acquisition Talks Amid Market Shifts
  • Stocks Making Notable Midday Moves: MIR, FCX, KMX
  • YouTube TV and NBCUniversal Signal Potential Carriage Dispute
  • James Comey Indicted for Perjury in Trump-Russia Investigation
  • Armed Mob Stages Smash-and-Grab Heist at California Jewelry Store
  • Super Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Hong Kong and Southern China, Leaving 14 Dead in Taiwan
  • Luxury Camper Van Features Full Kitchen and Bathroom for Apartment-Style Living
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Thursday, September 25
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Turkey Reports » Police Detain 41 at LGBTI+ Event in İstanbul, Including Gay Politician
Police Detain 41 at LGBTI+ Event in İstanbul, Including Gay Politician

Police Detain 41 at LGBTI+ Event in İstanbul, Including Gay Politician

News EditorBy News EditorJune 29, 2025 Turkey Reports 5 Mins Read

In a disconcerting turn of events, police apprehended members of the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) during an LGBTI+ focused gathering in Kadıköy, İstanbul. This intervention has sparked widespread condemnation, as the party had received necessary permissions for the event. Most notably, former television host and current party member, İrfan Değirmenci, was forcibly taken into custody while addressing the community.

Article Subheadings
1) Incident Overview: Police Detention of LGBTI+ Activists
2) Details of the Arrest: Context and Circumstances
3) Reactions from Political Allies and Activists
4) Broader Implications: The State of LGBTI+ Rights in Turkey
5) Conclusion and Call to Action

Incident Overview: Police Detention of LGBTI+ Activists

On June 28, 2025, police in İstanbul disrupted a public gathering organized by the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP). The gathering was focused on LGBTI+ visibility and affirming rights during Pride Month. The event took place in Yoğurtçu Park, where many activists had gathered to express solidarity and share personal narratives. Despite having secured the necessary permissions from the local governorship, the police intervention led to the apprehension of several participants, including notable activists.

Details of the Arrest: Context and Circumstances

The intervention escalated while İrfan Değirmenci, a prominent figure in Turkish media and politics, was speaking about his experiences as an openly gay man and his transition from journalism to politics. Police reportedly moved in as he was delivering his speech, leading to chaos as activists attempted to defend their right to gather in support of LGBTI+ rights. Following the apprehension of Değirmenci and other attendees, they were transported to the police headquarters in the Fatih district of İstanbul. Out of 41 individuals detained, 28 were subsequently released, while 13, including Değirmenci, faced court proceedings with restrictions placed upon their movements.

Reactions from Political Allies and Activists

Talya Aydın, a spokesperson for TİP’s LGBTI+ Bureau, described the police actions as deliberate censorship aimed at silencing voices advocating for LGBTI+ rights. She emphasized that the gathering had adhered to the legal framework surrounding public assemblies, and expressed outrage over the police action. “It was clearly a targeted act of censorship against Değirmenci’s speech,” said Aydın. The DİSK Press Workers Union also condemned the detention, calling it an affront not just to Değirmenci but to the broader struggle for equality and justice within Turkey. They urged immediate releases of all detainees.

Broader Implications: The State of LGBTI+ Rights in Turkey

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the increasing marginalization of LGBTI+ identities within the Turkish society. Aydın highlighted that LGBTI+ individuals have long been subjected to systemic discrimination, enhanced by recent political climate shifts aimed at suppressing diversity. The perception of being an “acceptable citizen” has led to aggressive policing tactics around gender identity issues, including governmental moves towards the criminalization of LGBTI+ practices.

The continuous erosion of LGBTI+ rights further complicates the socio-political landscape, with various stakeholders calling it a new form of lawlessness masked as policy enforcement. Legislative actions, such as an increase in the legal age for gender-affirming treatments, are indicative of an interwoven agenda that seeks to marginalize certain communities under the guise of social order.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In light of the recent events, activists and allies are mobilizing to demand accountability and respect for LGBTI+ rights. The outpouring of solidarity from various sectors including journalists, civil society organizations, and political allies illustrates the collective resistance against repression. As far-reaching implications for the LGBTI+ community in Turkey continue to unfold, there is a pressing need for sustained activism and advocacy to safeguard against further violations of human rights.

No. Key Points
1 Police forcibly detained key members of the LGBTI+ community during a scheduled gathering.
2 Former journalist İrfan Değirmenci was among those arrested while addressing the crowd.
3 Activists described the police action as targeted censorship against LGBTI+ rights.
4 The incident reflects broader trends of repression against LGBTI+ individuals in Turkey.
5 Solidarity from various organizations calls for accountability and respect for rights.

Summary

The arrest of İrfan Değirmenci and other LGBTI+ activists underscores an alarming trend of state repression against marginalized communities in Turkey. As public assemblies face increasing restrictions, the need for collective voices advocating for rights has never been clearer. This event serves as a flashpoint for ongoing discussions on human rights and freedoms within the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why was the gathering organized in Kadıköy?

The gathering was organized to celebrate Pride Month and promote visibility for the LGBTI+ community, allowing activists to share their experiences and advocate for rights.

Question: Who is İrfan Değirmenci?

İrfan Değirmenci is a former television journalist who became a member of the Workers’ Party of Turkey and is known for his advocacy of LGBTI+ rights.

Question: What were the legal repercussions faced by the detainees?

The detainees were placed under judicial control, requiring them to check in regularly at a police station and imposed with an international travel ban.

Critical Issues in Turkey Democracy in Turkey Detain Domestic Affairs Turkey Economic Policy Turkey Event Gay Government Policies Turkey including İstanbul Legislative Updates Turkey LGBTI Media and Politics Turkey National Security Turkey police Political Developments Turkey Political Reforms Turkey Politician Regional Impact Turkey Social Issues Turkey Turkey’s Strategic Developments Turkish Diplomacy Turkish Elections Turkish Foreign Relations Turkish Leadership Turkish Legal Affairs Turkish Politics Turkish Public Policy
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Turkey Reports

Students Take Action at Gölbaşı KYK Dormitory

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Melih Gökçek Faces New Controversy Over Latest Banner

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Journalist Faces Disinformation Case After Report on Deportation Center Abuse

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

President Erdoğan’s Speech Cut Short by Technical Issues

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Last-Minute Earthquake Tremors Felt Across Balıkesir, İzmir, and Istanbul

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Landslide Warning Raises Alarm in Black Sea Region

4 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Boasberg Challenges Trump in Legal Battle

April 16, 2025

Macron Cautions Trump on Negotiation Strategy

February 24, 2025

Tesla Vandalized with Anti-Musk Message During Soccer Game Involving Former Journalist

May 28, 2025

House Democrat Introduces Impeachment Articles Against President Trump

April 29, 2025

FBI Agent Skips Work Amid Conflict Over Epstein Probe at Trump DOJ

July 11, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version