Taksim Square Ban

Turkish authorities said on Saturday that an annual Gay Pride march in Istanbul's Taksim Square would be banned due to 'safety concerns', defying the calls of organisers.

Turkish police used water canon and tear gas on Thursday to disperse thousands of protesters who tried to defy a Labour Day ban on demonstrations on Istanbul's Taksim Square, the scene of protests that have dogged the government for months.

Turkish authorities said on Saturday that an annual Gay Pride march in Istanbul's Taksim Square would be banned due to 'safety concerns', defying the calls of organisers.

Turkish police used water canon and tear gas on Thursday to disperse thousands of protesters who tried to defy a Labour Day ban on demonstrations on Istanbul's Taksim Square, the scene of protests that have dogged the government for months.