Turkey Roundup: LGBTQ+ pride march, new crypto rules, maritime deal

Turkish police detain over 50 during banned LGBTQ+ Pride march in Istanbul

Police in Istanbul on Sunday detained more than 50 individuals attempting to participate in a banned LGBTQ+ Pride march, according to activists and an opposition lawmaker. The Istanbul Governor’s Office had prohibited the event, citing concerns over “social peace, family structure, and moral values.” Authorities deployed a heavy police presence across central areas, effectively blocking large gatherings. Officers reportedly clashed with activists displaying rainbow flags. Pride marches have been officially banned in Istanbul every year since 2015.

Turkish authorities detain 109 in Izmir as opposition crackdown widens

Turkish police detained 109 people, including opposition politicians and a former mayor, in the western city of Izmir on Tuesday as part of a corruption investigation, according to state-run Anadolu Agency. The operation, ordered by the Izmir prosecutor, targeted 157 individuals over alleged corruption, tender rigging, and fraud. Authorities are still searching for the remaining 48 suspects. Among those detained are senior members of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), including former Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer and a provincial party chairman. CHP lawmaker Murat Bakan likened the operation to earlier arrests in Istanbul, stating on social media that the judiciary appeared to be "acting on instructions."

Turkey enforces new crypto rules

Turkey has introduced strict new regulations on cryptocurrency transactions to enhance transparency and combat illicit activity, the Financial Crime Investigation Board (MASAK) announced on June 28. Published in the Official Gazette, the measures fall under Law No. 5549 and apply to Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs). Key changes include mandatory waiting periods, transfer limits, and enhanced anti-money laundering (AML) obligations. Under the new rules, (1) Crypto transfers face a minimum 48-hour delay, and first-time withdrawals from storage accounts require a 72-hour waiting period, (2) All transactions must include verified user identification and a minimum 20-character description. (3) Transfers are capped at $3,000 per transaction and $50,000 daily between platforms. (4) CASPs must implement internal risk management systems, undergo independent AML audits, and report suspicious activity.

Turkey-Libya maritime deal amid Greek opposition

Eastern Libyan authorities signalled support over the weekend for the controversial Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, as tensions between Greece and Turkey escalated further. Benghazi-based “Prime Minister” Osama Hamad publicly backed the agreement, while lawmakers in Tobruk announced plans to hold a parliamentary vote on ratification within the week. The European Union has condemned the memorandum as illegal. Greece, which has opposed the deal since its signing in 2019, sees it as a direct threat to its maritime interests and a longstanding obstacle in its strained relations with Turkey.

Turkey urges continued Iran-Israel ceasefire in talks with UK foreign secretary

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Ankara on Monday, calling for sustained efforts to uphold the ceasefire between Iran and Israel following their recent 12-day conflict. The meeting, part of Lammy’s first official visit to Turkey since taking office, also included talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Fidan stated that one of Turkey’s current strategic priorities is to ensure the ceasefire is maintained and to work toward lasting regional peace.