Pop singer Lady Gaga and a European rights official are condemning the attacks on Istanbul’s gay pride rally after security forces doused demonstrators with water cannons and tear gas.
Gay rights protesters dispersed Sunday after gathering at the city’s Taksim Square, an unusual flare-up as previous rallies had taken place without interference.
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Organizers say the Turkish government only barred them from Taksim at the last minute, saying they could not gather there during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Istanbul Governor’s office says no permission was sought for the rally and security forces acted proportionally
A message posted to Lady Gaga’s Twitter account urged Turkish authorities to “celebrate both Ramadan and Pride in PEACE.”
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, also condemned the violence.
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