Istanbul LGBTI Pride Week Committee

The Istanbul Governor's Office has defended its ban on the LGBTI pride march in Istanbul, amid reactions from the international community against the brutal police crackdown on marchers June 28.

The governorate banned the parade at the eleventh hour on the day of the planned march, despite the fact the event has taken place peacefully in Istanbul since 2003. 

American pop diva Lady Gaga has slammed the police clampdown on the LGBTI pride parade in Istanbul through her Twitter account, defining the violence as "inhumane." 

The Istanbul Governor's Office banned the parade at the eleventh hour on June 28, despite the fact the parade has been taking place peacefully in Istanbul since 2003. 

Istanbul police attacked with tear gas and water cannon on June 28 to disperse LGBTI Pride Parade participants before a much-anticipated march even started, as celebrants were ready with rainbow-colored flags and placards to march along Istanbul's central ?stiklal Avenue.