Turkey Arrests Dozens in Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Activists

Turkish police have arrested dozens of people amid a widening crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and organisations. The latest detentions took place on Tuesday outside Istanbul’s main courthouse, where protesters had gathered to demand the release of activists arrested during weekend raids on gay bars and private homes.

The government has described the campaign as part of its “My Family is Safe” initiative, which it says is intended to protect family values. Rights groups, however, have reported raids on association offices, website restrictions and arrests across several provinces. Authorities have also restricted access to the social media accounts and websites of LGBTQ+, media and rights organisations.

Same-sex relations are not illegal in Turkey, but LGBTQ+ rights groups say discrimination remains widespread. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty expressed concern over the arrests, raids and online restrictions. Turkey’s Justice Minister said the wider operation targeted 162 individuals, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.

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