Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of people in an ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups and activists across the country.
The arrests followed coordinated police raids targeting LGBTQ+ organisations, private residences and businesses in several Turkish provinces. Authorities say the operation aims to protect children, family values and public order.
The crackdown has sparked protests in Istanbul and Ankara. Activists and human rights groups have criticised the government’s actions, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
Turkey arrests LGBTQ+ activists in nationwide operation
At least 31 people were placed under arrest pending trial on Tuesday, according to reports from the Associated Press.
The group included five transgender women in Ankara and 26 people in the southern province of Mersin.
The arrests formed part of a wider investigation launched by Turkish authorities under the name “My Family is Safe.”
Turkey’s Justice Minister, Akin Gürlek, said the investigation involved 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.
According to the minister, the operation seeks to protect children, the institution of the family and public order.
However, LGBTQ+ rights organisations have questioned the government’s approach and expressed concern about the impact of the arrests on civil society.
Police raids target LGBTQ+ organisations
The latest arrests followed coordinated raids carried out across Turkey.
Police reportedly searched association offices, businesses and other locations linked to LGBTQ+ groups. Authorities also detained individuals during the operation.
In Izmir, a court reportedly ordered the detention of 18 people pending trial on Monday in connection with the investigation.
Separately, eight members of Kaos GL, one of Turkey’s prominent LGBTQ+ rights organisations, were jailed pending trial, according to Reuters.
Prosecutors accused some of the suspects of disseminating obscene content. The allegations reportedly included claims linked to their organisational roles and social media activities.
Kaos GL has rejected the authorities’ actions and called for the release of its detained members.
The organisation has been involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy and rights campaigns in Turkey for several years.
Protests erupt in Istanbul and Ankara
The arrests have triggered demonstrations in major Turkish cities.
In Istanbul, protesters gathered outside the Caglayan courthouse to demand the release of LGBTQ+ activists held in connection with the investigation.
Demonstrators carried banners with messages such as, “Being LGBTQI+ and organising is not a crime.”
Police intervened and detained several protesters.
At least 126 people were reportedly detained during demonstrations in Istanbul and Ankara.
One protester, Banu Aslan, told the Associated Press that the government was attempting to portray LGBTQ+ people as responsible for the country’s problems.
Her comments reflected the concerns of activists who believe the crackdown threatens the rights of LGBTQ+ communities.
Meanwhile, authorities maintained that the operation was necessary to protect families and children.
Human rights groups raise concerns
The arrests have drawn criticism from rights organisations and international observers.
Critics argue that the government’s actions could restrict freedom of association and expression.
The Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner, Michael O’Flaherty, condemned the arrests and called for the release of detainees.
He also warned against using family values as a justification for restricting fundamental rights.
The European Commission has expressed concern about the arrests, legal proceedings against LGBTQ+ organisations and restrictions on media and online platforms.
Amnesty International’s Turkey branch was among the organisations whose X account reportedly became inaccessible during the crackdown.
The restrictions have raised additional questions about the space available for independent advocacy in Turkey.
Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community faces growing restrictions
Homosexuality is not criminalised in Turkey. However, LGBTQ+ people and organisations have faced increasing restrictions in recent years.
Authorities have previously blocked Pride events and taken measures affecting LGBTQ+ gatherings.
The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has promoted policies centred on traditional family values and demographic concerns.
Officials say such policies are intended to support families and protect children.
LGBTQ+ advocates, however, argue that some government measures unfairly target their community.
The latest operation has therefore renewed debate over the balance between public policy, family protections and individual rights.
As investigations continue, the legal cases against those arrested could determine the next stage of the dispute between Turkish authorities and LGBTQ+ rights organisations.
Source: ModernGhana
