Turkish authorities have launched a major crackdown targeting LGBTQ+ organisations, activists and venues, detaining dozens of people in coordinated raids across several cities.
Police operations were carried out in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin, targeting LGBTQ+ association offices, activists’ homes, gay bars and other venues.
Authorities said at least 63 people were detained, while the wider investigation reportedly involves more than 160 suspects.
Turkey’s Justice Minister, Akin Gurlek, said the operation, known as “My Family is Safe,” was aimed at protecting children, the family and public order
Authorities have linked the investigation to allegations including prostitution and obscenity.
LGBTQ+ rights organisation Kaos GL said several LGBTQ+ rights defenders had been taken into custody or subjected to legal proceedings. LGBTQ+ groups also reported restrictions affecting their websites and social-media accounts.
The crackdown has drawn criticism from human-rights organisations and European officials, who have described the arrests as a serious escalation in pressure on LGBTQ+ communities and a threat to fundamental rights.
The operation comes amid a broader campaign by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government promoting traditional family values and responding to concerns over Turkey’s declining birth rate.
Although same-sex relationships are not criminalised in Turkey, LGBTQ+ communities have faced increasing restrictions and discrimination.
The latest developments have intensified concerns among rights groups over freedom of expression, assembly and the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Turkey.
