>> Three suspected ISIS terrorists arrested in Turkey over plan to attack Istanbul Trans Pride festival
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Trois djihadistes présumés de l’organisation de l’Etat islamique (EI) soupçonnés d’avoir voulu attaquer la Trans pride, violemment réprimée samedi dernier à Istanbul, ont été arrêtés la veille, a rapporté mercredi l’agence de presse Dogan.
Les trois suspects – Un Turc et deux Russes originaires du Caucase – ont été interpellés vendredi et maintenus en détention mardi par un tribunal de la mégapole. La police a saisi des vestes explosives et des couteaux militaires notamment dans leur appartement, ajoute l’agence.
Les trois hommes voulaient s’en prendre à la cinquantaine de membres de la communauté LGBT réunis au cœur d’Istanbul. La police antiémeutes avait tiré des gaz lacrymogènes et des balles en caoutchouc pour les disperser.
L’événement s’inscrivait dans le cadre de la semaine LGBT en Turquie, qui survient en plein ramadan, alors que les autorités d’Istanbul ont annoncé vendredi dernier avoir interdit la gay pride prévue dimanche, afin de « préserver la sécurité et l’ordre public ». Une décision qui a suscité l’indignation d’une partie de la société civile dans ce pays musulman mais constitutionnellement laïc.
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>> Three suspected ISIS terrorists have been arrested in Turkey after police foiled a plot to target Istanbul’s Trans Pride Festival.
The annual parade, which has been described as the biggest in the Muslim world, is due to take place on June 26.
Although Istanbul has held pride marches since 2003, last year’s was marred by clashes with police as it was held during the holy month of Ramadan.
The city is seen as a safe haven by members of the gay community in the Middle East.
This year’s event was cancelled just days ago amid security concerns.
Turkish ultra-nationalists warned they would not allow « degenerates » to hold the events on Turkish soil.
Security in the city had already been tightened after a series of bombings from ISIS and Kurdish militants in recent months.
The attack in Orlando had also increased security concerns.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, unlike many Muslim countries, but homophobia is widespread.
Yeni Akit, a religiously conservative newspaper, ran a headline from the Florida shooting saying « 50 pervert gays killed in a bar ».
Despite the ban, members of the LGBT community joined together for an unofficial march on Sunday
Riot police fired tear gas and rubber pellets to disperse the crowds.
They also cordoned off the city’s main Taksim Square to prevent the « Trans Pride » rally taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Ebru Kiranci, spokesperson of the Istanbul LGBTI Solidarity Association said: « Football fans can rally in this country whenever they want.
« We were going to do a peaceful activity, »
« (The) holy month of Ramadan is an excuse. »
« If you are going to respect Ramadan, respect us too. »
« The heterosexuals think it’s too much for us, only 2 hours in 365 days. »
