Rights groups criticise Turkey protest ban ahead of Nato summit

Rights groups criticise Turkey protest ban ahead of Nato summit Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Sun, 06/28/2026 - 10:18 Security services detain hundreds, including LGBTQ campaigners, leftist groups and Islamic State supporters Protesters hold a banner reading 'Turkey should leave Nato, Nato bases should be closed' during a demonstration in Ankara on 27 June 2026, ahead of the Nato summit (Adem Altan/AFP) Off Rights groups have condemned a protest ban imposed by Turkey ahead of a Nato summit, as well as the arrest of hundreds of people in a sweeping crackdown. Last week, the Ankara Governorate announced a 13-day province-wide ban on all public assemblies from Sunday, citing “national security" and security measures around the conference. A total of 225 people were also arrested, including alleged supporters of the leftist Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) and the Islamic State group.