Turkish Police in Istanbul deployed tear gas and water cannon on LGBT pride marchers Sunday after government officials banned the scheduled parade shortly before it was due to begin.
Officials told the activists that the parade was to be scrapped because of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, parade organizers said in a Facebook statement.
"Police [are] attacking tens of thousands of people with pepper spray, plastic bullets, and water cannon," the organizers said.
Video from the scene showed people running through the streets away from the riot police.
The Istanbul Pride organizers remained defiant on Twitter.
Instead of the official parade, people gathered for "small, impromptu celebrations on side streets," according to a local LGBT news source.
Lady Gaga was among those showing their support online for the Turkish LGBT community.