05 / 10
Turkey detains at least 47 in LGBTQ+ raids
Turkish authorities raided LGBTQ+ groups and venues under a campaign presented as protecting families and children.
What happened
Turkish police detained at least 47 people in weekend raids on LGBTQ+ associations, gay bars and activists’ homes. Prosecutors cited investigations into prostitution and obscenity. The government called the “My Family is Safe” campaign family protection; rights groups called it political targeting. Websites and social-media accounts linked to LGBTQ+ and HIV-support groups were blocked.
Numbers
- At least 47people detained in prosecutor statements — Other accounts gave higher totals
- 162 suspectsnamed in nationwide proceedings
- 15 provincescovered in minister's stated scope
Questions
- What is Kaos GL?
- It is an Ankara-based LGBTQ+ rights association; prosecutors opened a separate investigation, and its office was searched during the operation.
- Why did prosecutors cite obscenity?
- Istanbul prosecutors stated that online material accessible to children improperly influenced minors on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- How did the operation affect groups?
- Police targeted current and former members of LGBTQ+ rights and HIV-awareness organisations, widening the operation beyond the venues.
- Which cities were included in raids?
- Raids were reported in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin, targeting venues, association offices and activists’ homes before dawn.
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Support and opposition
Who supports this, and why
Government — Investigations are needed to protect children, families and public order from illegal activity and exploitation.