An independent news agency is reporting
that police in Turkey have arrested and charged three men with
plotting to attack a Gay Pride rally in Istanbul.
The private Dogan news agency said
Wednesday that two men from Russia's Dagestan region and a Turkish
citizen had allegedly armed militants in Istanbul after traveling to
and from ISIS-controlled territory. They were reportedly planning to
attack last weekend's Trans Pride rally.
Police used teargas and rubber pellets
to break up the rally. The government had banned such marches from
taking place during Ramadan, which coincides with LGBT Pride. But
several dozen people showed up at Taksim Square prepared to march.
Police last year broke up the city's
annual Gay Pride parade held since 2003. The event was scheduled to
take place this year on Sunday, June 26.
According to the
report – which has not been confirmed by officials – police
arrested the trio following an anonymous tip.