Court in Turkey Acquits Transgender LGBT Activist Detained at Istanbul March

On June 9, 2026, a court in Istanbul, Turkey, acquitted transgender LGBT activist İris Mozalar of violating the law on assemblies and demonstrations. She had been detained in 2025 during the 23rd Feminist Night March, held to mark International Women’s Day.

The prosecutor requested an acquittal because the police had presented no evidence that Mozalar used force against law enforcement officers. The court agreed, finding that the legal elements of the offense had not been established. The decision may be appealed within two weeks of notification.

According to Mozalar , she continues to face judicial harassment despite the acquittal. “During the march, 113 people were detained, but I was the only one brought to court. The acquittal does not change the fact that I am being targeted as a transgender woman and human rights defender,” she said.

Mozalar’s legal troubles are not over. A second case against the activist on a charge of “insulting the president” of Turkey remains pending. The next hearing in that case will take place on June 15.

The Feminist Night March is an annual event in Turkey at which women and LGBT activists protest domestic violence and advocate for their rights. Turkish authorities regularly ban such gatherings and detain participants, citing security concerns.