- Turkish authorities have expanded their crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community, conducting raids on association offices and making arrests across multiple provinces over the past week.
- During the weekend, police arrested a group of LGBTQ+ activists in raids on gay bars and at activists' homes.
- On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside Istanbul's main courthouse to demand the release of the detained activists.
- At the protest, demonstrators chanted "Long live the struggle for freedom!" and called for the release of the detained activists.
- Police made several arrests after some demonstrators unfurled a banner reading "Being LGBTQ is not a crime".
- The government has blocked or restricted access to social media accounts and websites of dozens of LGBT, media, and rights organisations, according to Human Rights Watch.
Turkish police have arrested dozens of LGBTQ+ activists in a crackdown that has drawn widespread condemnation. The operation, part of a government initiative called "My Family is Safe", has led to raids on gay bars and homes across multiple provinces, with authorities detaining 162 individuals and targeting nine associations and 13 businesses.3
Protesters gathered outside Istanbul's main courthouse, chanting "Long live the struggle for freedom!" and demanding the release of those arrested. The police responded with further arrests, particularly after demonstrators displayed a banner stating "Being LGBTQ is not a crime". Rights groups have expressed alarm over the government's actions, describing them as a widening campaign against the LGBTQ+ community.456
The crackdown has included blocking access to social media accounts and websites of LGBTQ+ organizations, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, Michael O'Flaherty, has voiced concerns regarding the arrests, highlighting the government's justification of protecting family values as a guise for repression.7
As the situation escalates, activists and supporters continue to rally, emphasizing the need for freedom and equality in a country where LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under threat.
“Rights groups describe a widening campaign, with raids on association offices, blocked websites, and arrests across multiple provinces over the past week. The government has also restricted access to social media accounts and websites of dozens of LGBT, media and rights organisations, according to Human Rights Watch.”
BBC
