Lady Gaga has condemned the attacks on Istanbul’s gay pride rally after security forces doused demonstrators with water cannon and tear gas.

Gay rights protesters dispersed after gathering at the city’s Taksim Square, an unusual flare-up as previous rallies had taken place without interference.

Turkish police disperse participants of a Gay Pride event
Turkish police disperse participants of a Gay Pride event in Istanbul (Emrah Gurel/AP)

Organisers said the Turkish government only barred them from Taksim at the last minute, saying they could not gather there during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Istanbul Governor’s office said no permission was sought for the rally and security forces acted proportionately.

Lady Gaga urged Turkish authorities to “celebrate both Ramadan and Pride in PEACE”.

The Cheek To Cheek singer also posted a photo of her watching the Pride parade in Chicago, writing: “Watching over Chicago Pride from my apartment and smiling so big. So many happy people. Happy pride!!”

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, also condemned the violence.