site.btaIstanbul Authorities Ban Holding of Pride Parade in City

Istanbul regional administration banned the Pride parade that LGBT societies planned to hold on Sunday in the central Taksim Square, BirGun newspaper reported.
The square has been blocked by police since Saturday night, not allowing anyone to pass. The space was surrounded by fences, no movement of people was allowed. Police cars equipped with tear gas canisters were stationed along the streets leading to the square.

Taksim Square metro stations and the neighboring districts of Shisane and Osmanbey were closed.

The funicular between Taksim and Kabatas pier on the Bosphorus coast has been cancelled.

The bans are siad to continue throughout the day.