In Pics: Istanbul Convention withdrawal sparks more protests in Turkey

Turkey formally withdrew from a landmark international treaty protecting women from violence, and signed in its own city of Istanbul, though President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted it won't be a step backward for women. Hundreds of women demonstrated against this amid a heavy police presence in Istanbul. Protesters held colorful banners, feminist and rainbow flags, played music, whistled, and shouted slogans.

Protests seen at several places in Turkey after it formally withdrew from a landmark international treaty protecting women from violence, and signed in its own city of Istanbul on July 1, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Hundreds of women demonstrated in Istanbul, holding banners that said they won't give up on the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention. “It's not over for us,” one read. Similar protests were held in other Turkish cities. Credit: AFP Photo

Women, LGBT groups and others have been protesting the decision. Credit: AFP Photo

They say the convention's pillars of prevention, protection, criminal prosecution and policy coordination, as well as its identification of gender-based violence, are crucial to protecting women in Turkey. Credit: Reuters Photo

People participate in a protest against Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, an international accord designed to protect women, in Istanbul, Turkey. Credit: Reuters Photo

Hundreds of women gathered amid a heavy police presence in Istanbul's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Credit: Reuters Photo

Protesters held colorful banners, feminist and rainbow flags, played music, whistled, and shouted slogans. Credit: AFP Photo

Police closed off the area but later briefly removed barricades to allow a short march. Credit: Reuters Photo

Participants kiss as they take part in a protest against Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in Turkey's capital. Credit: AFP Photo

Police dispersed LGBT demonstrators with tear gas and detained dozens, who were later released. Credit: AFP Photo

Women demonstrators clash with Turkish police as they protest against Turkey's decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, in Istanbul. Credit: AFP Photo

Women chant slogans and hold placards as they take part in a demonstration to protest against Turkey's decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention that turned into clashes with Turkish police, in Istanbul. Credit: AFP Photo

People scuffle with police during a protest against Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, an international accord designed to protect women, in Istanbul. Credit: Reuters Photo