Turkish Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons to Disperse Pride Parade

Riot police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber pellets to break up an annual pride parade in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday.

This year's parade took place during Ramadan which, according to some on social media, could be the reason why police were on hand to disperse those attending the parade. The Daily Sabah reported that the event was cancelled by government officials minutes before the parade was to begin.

16.30 Polis İstiklal Caddesi #OnurYürüyüşü ne tazyikli su ve bilyeyle saldiriyor pic.twitter.com/oXXZjCBoTp

— yıldız tar (@yildiz_tar) June 28, 2015

Taksim de polis LGBTİ yürüyüşü için toplananlara müdahale etti. https://t.co/zluRWGNHRh

— Ahmet Ayva (@tahresrak) June 28, 2015

Mis Sokak'a polis saldırısı pic.twitter.com/oPqcyCRRl9

— Funda Eryiğit (@fundaeryigit) June 28, 2015

Istanbul governor won't allow @istanbulpride due to Ramadan. Riot police in place. #Pride2015

— LGBTI News Turkey (@lgbtinewsturkey) June 28, 2015

Seems Turkey doesn't like when #LoveWins. Cops use teargas, water cannon, arrest & disperse pride marchers pic.twitter.com/ye7Dg4dlpQ #Istanbul

— David Lepeska (@dlepeska) June 28, 2015

Onur Yürüyüşü başlamadan biber gazlı saldırı: Taksim polis ablukası altında https://t.co/Tbu0n57VIH pic.twitter.com/Ppvl54Zv8B

— Diken (@DikenComTr) June 28, 2015

#OnurYürüyüşü #LGBT #missokak pic.twitter.com/tCjohriwiy

— Funda Eryiğit (@fundaeryigit) June 28, 2015

A Huffington Post reporter said on Twitter that she was hit by a water cannon while she was interviewing peaceful protesters at the event.

Istanbul? Who are these "leaders"! Stop attacking innocent happy people who are celebrating this is madness! This is inhumane!

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) June 28, 2015

Governor! Set an example for people to celebrate both Ramadan and Pride in PEACE, instead of dividing with violence! #OnurYuerueyuesue

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga)

June 28, 2015