Police and Security Intervene in LGBT Students' Pride Picnic at Ege University

At Ege University in Izmir, Turkey, police and private security officers intervened to stop a student picnic organized in celebration of Pride Month.

The Izmir branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD) reported the incident. Human rights defenders published a statement on the X social network, demanding an immediate end to the interference with the peaceful event.

The association called on law enforcement and private security units to “abandon violence, threats of detention, physical obstruction, and discriminatory practices.” The organization reminded the university administration and security forces of their obligation to comply with the law, human rights, and the ban on discrimination.

“Pride cannot be banned; the LGBT community is not alone,” the İHD statement concluded.

In recent years, LGBT events at Turkish universities have frequently faced bans and police intervention. Authorities often cite security concerns or the protection of “public morality,” while human rights organizations consider these actions a violation of the freedom of assembly.