The Turkish Police shields the center of Istanbul to prevent the Pride parade

ISTANBUL, June 18 (DPA/EP) –

The Police have deployed an important device to prevent this Sunday the Trans Pride Parade called despite the prohibition of the authorities, who consider that it poses a threat to family values.

The agents have thus prevented access to the emblematic Taksim Square and the metro service to this point of the city has been suspended. The Kaos GL association has even denounced “attacks” by policemen on horseback against the demonstrators.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced on Friday that he would not allow any act “that endangers the institution of the family, the guarantee of our nation and our state.” “They will never be allowed to demonstrate without permission,” he warned.

Other Turkish cities have also prohibited Pride events and demonstrations to make LGBT people visible in line with the openly hostile policy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his party.