A European Tourist Was Arrested by Turkish Police Because He ‘Looked Gay’

A Portuguese tourist on vacation in Instanbul, Turkey was arrested by Turkish police because he “looked gay.”

According to the British news site LBC, Miguel Alvaro “was on holiday alone in Istanbul on June 25 when he went out to meet a friend for lunch. He asked police for directions, unaware that there was a nearby LGBT parade nearby, which was unsanctioned by authorities.”

Mr. Alvaro, who is gay, said that one of the officers ordered him to be arrested immediately. He was slammed against the wall of a van before being thrown in the back. “They grabbed my arms and I tried to free myself. One of them hit me in the ribs, they pushed me against a van, they hit me on the shoulder, which started to bleed.”

“After five hours in the police van, in which I was only told to shut up and be quiet, one of them explained to me that he had been detained because of my appearance,” he told Portuguese outlet P3.

“They thought I would participate in an unauthorised LGBTI+ march that was going to take place nearby because I looked gay. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Mr Alvaro said that the officers had orders to arrest a certain number of people in connection with the parade, and he was one of the unlucky victims.

LBC:

His father sprang into action and asked the Portuguese embassy to help get him freed – but it was not until July 12 that he was let go – 20 days after his arrest.

He was taken to the airport by police and flew to Portugal. Speaking on Instagram, he said he would not recommend anyone visiting Turkey, but especially not gay people.

“Right now, I’m in a horrible psychological state, I’m very afraid of the consequences in the future,” he told P3. “I can’t believe this happened to me. I pray for justice to be done.”

It is not illegal to be gay in Turkey, but LGBT people often face discrimination nevertheless. The Istanbul Pride march has been banned since 2015, with authorities claiming security and public order concerns.