A lawsuit was filed against 19 students, who participated in the 9th METU LGBTI+ Pride March organised on May 10, 2019 at Middle East Technical University (METU). In the indictment, accepted by Ankara 39th Assize Court, the students are charged with “participating in illegal meeting and demonstrations.” The first hearing of the lawsuit will be held on November 12, 2019.
METU Rectorate asserted the protest ban across the province, issued by Ankara Governorate, as an excuse and announced that the Pride March will not be permitted. During the march on May 10th, the police intervened marching students with rubber bullets, tear gas and physical force. One faculty member and 21 students were detained during the march.
08.08.2019
bianet.org