Turkey: 162 arrested in LGBTQ+ raids
Turkish authorities arrested 162 suspects during coordinated overnight raids across 15 provinces targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, HIV-support groups, activists' homes, and nightlife venues under the My Family Is Safe operation. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the operation involved nine associations and 13 businesses. While homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Turkey, the crackdown follows years of worsening persecution against the LGBT+ community and ongoing government crackdowns on opposition figures, including the detention of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on graft and political espionage charges.
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- ✓ Turkish police launched coordinated overnight raids across 15 provinces targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, HIV-support groups, activists' homes, and nightlife venues on Sunday, September 13.
- ✓ Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the My Family Is Safe operation involved 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses.
- ✓ Turkey does not explicitly outlaw homosexuality.
What changed
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek detailed the scope of the My Family Is Safe operation, confirming the involvement of 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses.
Live updates
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Turkish Raids Target LGBTQ+ and HIV Groups
Turkish authorities arrested 162 suspects during coordinated overnight raids across 15 provinces targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, HIV-support groups, activists' homes, and nightlife venues under the My Family Is Safe operation. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the operation involved nine associations and 13 businesses. While homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Turkey, the crackdown follows years of worsening persecution against the LGBT+ community and ongoing government crackdowns on opposition figures, including the detention of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on graft and political espionage charges.
Why it matters
The recent police actions against queer organizations represent a broader political project that diminishes the remaining space for democratic dissent in Turkey. Alongside the targeting of activists, the state has suppressed reporting on alleged government corruption and blocked online access for journalists and human rights groups. These moves occur concurrently with sweeping measures against political opposition, illustrating a multi-pronged state strategy to silence critics.
What is confirmed
- Turkish police launched coordinated overnight raids across 15 provinces targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, HIV-support groups, activists' homes, and nightlife venues on Sunday, September 13.
- Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the My Family Is Safe operation involved 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses.
- Turkey does not explicitly outlaw homosexuality.
Still unconfirmed
- The persecution of Turkey's LGBT+ community has been steadily worsening for several years.
What to watch next
- Further legal proceedings and trials for the 162 suspects detained in the My Family Is Safe operation.
- Potential escalation or expansion of state restrictions on civil society organizations and nightlife venues.
- Developments regarding the ongoing legal cases against opposition figures like Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/20 Links Pt2: France in Flames: How the Red-Green Alliance Is Undermining Western Democracy; The Money Network Behind Mamdani, ....
- www.gayfitlab.com — Turkish Authorities Target LGBTQ+ and HIV Support Groups in ...
- voxeurop.eu — No end in sight to Turkey’s LGBT+ crackdown - voxeurop.eu
- www.wionews.com — Istanbul court formally places mayor under arrest on graft ...
- theloop.ecpr.eu — Türkiye’s anti-LGBTQ+ raids attack what’s left of democracy
- en.parapolitika.gr — Imamoglu: Arrest warrant issued for “political espionage” charges
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Turkey Extends Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Activists
Turkish authorities have broadened a nationwide operation targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, rights defenders, and solidarity protests throughout September and October 2026. The sweeping government crackdown, conducted under the banner of the My Family Is Safe operation, has resulted in online blocking orders affecting journalists, women's organizations, and human rights groups, alongside reporting on alleged government corruption. Eight individuals connected to one of the country's oldest LGBTQ+ organizations remain jailed in prison, while the Attitude Foundation has pledged funds to support the detained advocates.
Why it matters
The ongoing state actions mark a severe restriction on freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly in Turkey. International rights organizations and United Nations experts previously condemned the sweeping arrests, which began with police raids across multiple provinces.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities carried out a nationwide operation targeting LGBTQ+ organizations and rights defenders in September and October 2026.
- Eight people linked to one of Turkey's oldest LGBTQ+ organisations remain in prison.
What to watch next
- Further legal reviews or court decisions regarding the detained activists.
- Additional responses from international rights groups and foreign foundations.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- monitor.civicus.org — Turkey launches mass crackdown on LGBTQI+ community under “My ...
- www.attitude.co.uk — Turkey LGBTQ+ organisation speak out against queer crackdown ...
- www.metroweekly.com — Town Dumps Library Logo After Complaints It Resembles a Rainbow
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Turkish Opposition Deputy Visits Jailed Activists
Turkish authorities continue to hold arrested activists following raids targeting the LGBTQ+ community under the operation My Family Is Safe. Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party Istanbul deputy Ozgul Saki visited jailed activists at Metris T-Type Prison after a court extended the detention of nine individuals during their first monthly review. The crackdown, which began overnight on September 12 and 13, involved police raids across 15 provinces. International rights groups and United Nations experts previously denounced the campaign, while human rights defenders launched a new campaign demanding freedom for those in custody.
Why it matters
The ongoing arrests form part of a broader government operation justified under the guise of protecting families, a tactic also observed in nations like Hungary, Poland, and Germany. Human rights defenders argue the state violence functions as a political crackdown designed to mask domestic crises. Observers monitor the situation closely as authorities deploy administrative and financial measures to obstruct human rights work.
What is confirmed
- Ozgul Saki, an Istanbul deputy from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party, visited LGBTI+ activists held at Metris T-Type Prison.
- Nine LGBTI+ individuals arrested in Istanbul remain in custody after a court extended their detention during their first monthly review.
- Operations under the name My Family Is Safe began on September 12.
Still unconfirmed
- Human rights defenders describe the operation as a political crackdown used to cover up country crises.
What to watch next
- Further monthly detention reviews for the imprisoned activists
- Potential expansion or conclusion of the We Want Freedom campaign
- Additional political or legal interventions by opposition figures
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- bianet.org — DEM Party deputy visits jailed LGBTI+ activists in İstanbul
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/19 Links Pt1: How ‘Palestine’ conquered France; UN Watch Releases Database Exposing Who Funds UN’s Human Rights Experts; ....
- theleftberlin.com — Crackdown on LGBTQIA+ community – The Left Berlin
- medfeminiswiya.net — Türkiye’s crackdown on LGBTI+ people goes beyond new ...
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UN experts condemn Turkey's crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights defenders
United Nations experts and international rights groups have denounced a severe crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations in Turkey. Launched in September under operation My Family Is Safe, the campaign has seen police raid homes and offices across 15 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin, and Mersin. More than 160 people face criminal investigations, with at least 116 arrested and 83 held in pre-trial detention. The UN has called for an end to the harassment, citing the use of administrative and financial measures to obstruct human rights work.
Why it matters
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously described the LGBTQ+ community as a deviant movement of perverts. This latest operation is an escalation of a decade-long pattern of legal repression and banned Pride marches. The crackdown targets civil society networks, health workers, and advocacy groups.
What is confirmed
- Operation My Family Is Safe began in September 2026 and targeted 15 provinces.
- At least 116 people have been arrested and more than 160 face criminal investigations.
- At least 83 individuals are being held in pre-trial detention.
- UN experts condemned the crackdown as a severe restriction on human rights work.
- Police raided the offices of LGBTQ+ groups and homes across the country.
Still unconfirmed
- Detained trans women have been subjected to strip searches, humiliation, and isolation in custody.
- Police detained people who gathered outside the Istanbul courthouse to demand the release of detainees.
What to watch next
- Official response from the Turkish government to the UN experts' demands
- Court rulings on the 83 individuals currently in pre-trial detention
- Further reports on the treatment of trans women in custody
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
- www.europesays.com — Urgent Action: Release Türkiye's detained LGBTI rights ...
- portsmouth.web.ucu.org.uk — UCU condemns Turkish state crackdown on LGBTQ+ people and ...
- amnesty.ca — Türkiye: Release detained LGBTI rights defenders
- www.metroweekly.com — Gay Bar Apologizes Over "Cornell 7 Inches" Trivia Team Name - Metro Weekly
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/11 Links: Israel Is Clear-Eyed, Not Traumatized by Oct. 7; The lone wolf illusion: Alone in action, no....
- www.thenation.com — Turkey Is Brutally Oppressing Queer People. Here’s What You ...
- www.hellenicdailynewsny.com — Unrest in Turkey after Imamoglu's arrest: Protests and ...
- www.wionews.com — What triggered mass protests in Turkey? Over 1,100 detained ...
- www.washingtonblade.com — ‘Governments that attack LGBTQ+ rights learn from each other’
- www.straitstimes.com — UN experts slam Turkey’s LGBTQ crackdown | The Straits Times
- srdefenders.org — Türkiye: UN experts alarmed by crackdown on LGBTI human rights defenders and civil society organisations (Press release)
- www.theamargi.com — Turkey’s anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown was built over more than a decade
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Turkey Targets LGBTQ+ Groups in Nationwide Raids
Turkish authorities have subjected more than 162 individuals to criminal investigations and placed dozens in pretrial detention across 15 provinces during the My Family Is Safe operation. The ongoing security crackdown has expanded to target civil society networks, health workers, and advocacy groups, prompting international rights organizations and foreign officials to demand an immediate end to the police actions. Police operations have targeted organizations including the KAOS Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association and International Amnesty Turkey, closing social media accounts, blocking websites, and seizing organizational infrastructure.
Why it matters
The September security initiative marks an escalation from past restrictions on public demonstrations to active dismantling of legal assistance, health information services, and advocacy infrastructure supporting the community. Apcom Foundation, a Thai-based rights group, expressed profound alarm and deep anger over the sweeping actions, sending a formal letter of protest to the Turkish ambassador. The crackdown arrives amid broader domestic policy shifts linking demographic trends to non-traditional sexual orientations.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities have subjected more than 162 individuals to criminal investigations and placed dozens in pretrial detention across 15 provinces.
- The My Family Is Safe operation began in September and has targeted organizations including the KAOS Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association and International Amnesty Turkey.
- Apcom Foundation Executive Director Midnight Poonwattanasakul expressed profound alarm and deep anger over the police operations in a letter to the Turkish ambassador.
What to watch next
- Further diplomatic responses from international governments regarding the detention of individuals under Operation My Family Is Safe.
- Potential legal challenges or statements from targeted domestic advocacy groups such as KAOS GL.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.worldatlas.com — Turkey Maps & Facts - World Atlas
- www.lonelyplanet.com — 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Türkiye - Lonely Planet
- www.countryreports.org — Turkey — Facts, Capital, Population, Flag & Profile ...
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/04 Links: Douglas Murray: Israel Is Winning; The Green Party is now an openly anti-Jewish party; ‘Ev....
- www.balcanicaucaso.org — LGBT+ crackdown and brutal repression in Turkey - OBCT
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/05 Links Pt1: Howard Jacobson: I am obsessed with the ignorance of the Jew-haters; The Genocide Case A....
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/06 Links Pt2: Three years since October 7: Why Zionism is more relevant than ever; Dancing on Jewish G....
- www.metroweekly.com — Forced Out, Left Unpaid: Transgender Troops Await Separation Pay - Metro Weekly
- www.europesays.com — Bangkok Post - NGO urges Türkiye to end raids on LGBTQ+ ...
- en.wikipedia.org — Turkey - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Turkey - Wikipedia
- simple.wikipedia.org — Turkey - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Turkey Arrests 162 in LGBTQ+ Raids
Turkish authorities have detained 162 individuals during sweeping raids targeting the LGBTQ+ community under an initiative called Operation My Family is Safe. The government has publicly linked declining birth rates to diverse sexual orientations, sparking widespread domestic arrests and the deployment of tear gas against peaceful protesters. In response, international pressure has mounted as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe passed a resolution urging an end to the repression of human rights defenders. Concurrently, more than 60 House Democrats urged the administration to address these severe human rights violations directly with the Turkish government.
Why it matters
These arrests represent an escalation of state pressure against sexual minorities in Turkey, framing demographic shifts around birth rates as a national security or cultural crisis. The involvement of international bodies such as the Council of Europe alongside legislative pressure from United States lawmakers highlights the broader geopolitical stakes of these domestic policies. Previous reporting confirms the formal launch of Operation My Family is Safe and the corresponding legislative appeals abroad.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities have arrested 162 individuals in raids targeting the LGBTQ+ community under Operation My Family is Safe.
What to watch next
- Any official response from the Trump-Vance administration to the letter sent by House Democrats regarding the arrests.
- Further actions or sanctions from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe concerning human rights violations in Turkey.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.cdc.gov — Think. Test. Treat TB | Think. Test. Treat TB. | CDC
- www.cdc.gov — Testing and Respiratory Viruses | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
- www.metroweekly.com — Education Department Rescinds Title IX Protections for LGBTQ Students
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International bodies and US lawmakers condemn Turkish LGBTQ+ crackdown
Turkish authorities have launched Operation My Family is Safe, targeting the LGBTQ+ community after the government linked declining birth rates to diverse sexual orientations. This operation involves mass detentions and the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters. In response, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) passed a resolution urging Turkey to end the repression of human rights defenders and LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, over 60 House Democrats have called on the Trump-Vance administration to confront the Turkish government regarding these human rights violations.
Why it matters
The crackdown follows coordinated raids across 15 provinces and the shuttering of the T24 news outlet for alleged propaganda. President Tayyip Erdogan recently criticized global gender neutrality at the United Nations. These actions signal an intensifying state campaign against independent media and sexual minorities.
What is confirmed
- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution calling on Turkey to protect the fundamental freedoms of LGBTQ+ people and human rights defenders.
- More than 60 House Democrats urged the Trump-Vance administration to confront Turkey over the anti-LGBTQ crackdown.
Still unconfirmed
- British lawmaker Sam Rushworth authored the report that informed the PACE resolution.
What to watch next
- Response from the Trump-Vance administration to the House Democrats request
- Further resolutions or sanctions from the Council of Europe
- Official government statements regarding the birth rate links to sexual orientation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.humanrightsresearch.org — Turkish Authorities Launch “My Family is Safe” Operation, Targeting LGBTQ+ Community
- www.washingtonblade.com — House Democrats urge White House to confront Turkish government over anti-LGBTQ crackdown - Washington Bl....
- stockholmcf.org — PACE urges Turkey to end repression of LGBTQ+ people, rights defenders
- uk.news.yahoo.com — This is what it was like visiting Istanbul’s gay bars after ...
- stockholmcf.org — Turkey detains 20 over alleged Gülen movement links in raids ...
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Turkey Shuts Down Independent News Site Amid Broad LGBTQ+ Crackdown
Turkish authorities have intensified a sweeping crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations, human rights defenders, and independent media. The justice ministry shut down the website and social media accounts of the leading independent digital news outlet T24, citing alleged LGBT propaganda. This follows coordinated police raids across more than 15 provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara, which resulted in over 150 detentions under obscenity investigations. Human rights groups and international activists have condemned the ongoing campaign, while President Tayyip Erdogan recently criticized global gender neutrality at the United Nations.
Why it matters
The widening government campaign targets civil society organizations, HIV support groups, and community venues under the guise of protecting traditional family values from an alleged global siege. Authorities have increasingly utilized obscenity laws and censorship measures to penalize expression, leading to the arrest of over 150 individuals in major urban centers and the imprisonment of journalists. The intensified pressure reflects a broader state strategy to suppress dissenting viewpoints and marginalize advocacy networks.
What is confirmed
- The justice ministry shut down the website and social media accounts of T24, a leading independent digital news website, citing LGBT propaganda.
- Turkish authorities detained over 150 individuals in over 15 provinces including Istanbul and Ankara in an obscenity investigation.
- President Tayyip Erdogan stated at the United Nations that the traditional family is under a global siege.
- Human rights activists countered the attacks with protests in Istanbul and Izmir.
Still unconfirmed
- Deniz Goktas faces charges of insulting Erdogan, praising crime, and inciting hatred with jokes about Islam in secular Turkey.
What to watch next
- Further legal actions or censorship measures against other independent media outlets in Turkey
- Potential international diplomatic responses or trade fallout from European nations regarding the suppression of civil rights
- Developments concerning the detained activists and journalists currently awaiting trial
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (16)
- www.ynetnews.com — Erdogan targets ‘gender neutrality’ at UN after sweeping LGBTQ+ raids across Turkey
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/22 Links Pt1: Israel's Enemies Misjudged the Resilience of Israeli Society; Police foil Manchester Yom....
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/24 Links Pt1: How the UN Forges Anti-Israel Bias; While the World Is on Fire, the Media Are Still Obse....
- www.amnesty.org.au — Türkiye’s crackdown on LGBTI groups and activists is part of ...
- 76crimes.com — Turkey’s anti-LGBT crackdown expands; activists fight back
- www.tcnjsignalnews.com — Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community under fire as protestors face ...
- en.tempo.co — Turkey: Comedian on Trial for 'Insulting' Erdogan in Show
- humedia.org — Turkey Raids Detain LGBTQI+ & HIV Advocates in 5 Provinces
- www.africanews.com — At least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters detained in Istanbul crackdown
- www.channeldraw.org — Tugba Tekerek: a journalist jailed as Turkey expands its ...
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/29 Links Pt1: What Bibi knew; A Two-State Solution Was a Casualty of October 7 for This Generation; Os....
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 09/29 Links Pt2: How jihad learned to speak the West’s language; Mamdani announces campaign against ant....
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Turkish Police Arrest at Least 116 in LGBTQ+ Raids Across 15 Provinces
Turkish authorities have detained at least 116 people across 15 provinces as part of a large-scale operation targeting LGBTQ+ organizations and human rights defenders. Police raided homes, venues, and association offices starting September 13, with at least 83 individuals placed in detention. While France and Germany have condemned the crackdown, the Canadian government has refrained from joining these peers as it negotiates a trade deal with Ankara. The operation follows previous orders from the prime minister to seize rainbow flags and hard drives under obscenity laws.
Why it matters
The raids signal an expansion of government pressure on rights defenders and the LGBTQ+ community. This campaign uses obscenity laws to justify police actions under the guise of protecting families. International human rights organizations view these events as part of a broader escalating rights crisis in Turkey.
What is confirmed
- Police arrested at least 116 people across 15 provinces in operations targeting LGBTI organizations and human rights defenders.
- At least 83 people have been placed in detention.
- The raids began on September 13 and targeted homes, venues, and offices.
- France and Germany have condemned the crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups.
Still unconfirmed
- The Carney government in Canada is avoiding condemnation of Turkey to protect a possible trade deal.
- The Erdogan government is framing the LGBTQ+ crackdown as a national security and espionage case.
What to watch next
- Further reports from Human Rights Watch on the legal status of arrested journalists.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- medicinehatnews.com — Canada mum as European peers slam Turkey for raiding LGBTQ+ groups
- en.tempo.co — Turkey: Several Pupils Injured in Shooting Outside School
- nordicmonitor.com — Erdogan gov’t turns LGBTQ+ crackdown into national security and espionage case
- www.amnesty.org — Türkiye’s crackdown on LGBTI groups and activists is part of an escalating rights crisis
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Turkish Prime Minister orders crackdown on LGBTQ+ communities
The Turkish prime minister ordered widespread raids against Istanbul's LGBTQ+ communities, targeting bars, associations, and private homes. Police are seizing hard drives and rainbow flags under obscenity laws intended to protect families. Dozens of activists and journalists have been arrested, with many jailed pending trial. These actions have triggered international condemnation and domestic protests as the government expands its operations against rights defenders. Human Rights Watch reports that the crackdown threatens fundamental rights and the rule of law in Turkey.
Why it matters
The government justifies these measures as a means to protect family values. This escalation follows previous raids across 15 provinces and ongoing investigations into multiple organizations.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities are conducting raids on bars, associations, and homes to gather evidence.
- Dozens of activists have been arrested and jailed pending trial.
- The government is using obscenity laws to justify the raids under the goal of protecting families.
Still unconfirmed
- The crackdown threatens the rule of law and fundamental rights.
- Police gathered evidence specifically from hard drives and rainbow flags.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the status of jailed Kaos GL members
- Official responses from the European Union regarding the Istanbul raids
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.hrw.org — Türkiye: LGBT Rights Crackdown Strikes at Rule of Law
- theworld.org — Turkey raids bars and NGOs in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and journalists
- www.inkl.com — Sweeping raids leave Turkey’s LGBTQI+ community fearing what comes next
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Turkey Detains 126 More Protesters in Expanding LGBTQ+ Crackdown
Turkish authorities detained 126 protesters as a wider crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals intensifies. Recent operations include obscenity sweeps targeting journalists, activists, and HIV care workers. Kaos GL members are currently jailed pending trial, and multiple organizations are under nationwide investigation. These actions follow previous raids across 15 provinces where 162 people were arrested, including 16 individuals jailed by an Izmir court. The government maintains these measures protect family values, while the European Union and local organizations have criticized the escalation.
Why it matters
The crackdown combines physical raids on bars and support groups with digital censorship. Authorities are using obscenity laws to justify the detention of healthcare workers and media professionals. This systemic pressure targets both the visibility of LGBTQ+ identities and the legal infrastructure supporting them.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities detained 126 protesters.
- Kaos GL members are jailed pending trial.
- The crackdown includes raids on LGBTQ+ bars, HIV support groups, and activists across 15 provinces.
Still unconfirmed
- Turkish authorities shut down hundreds of social media accounts.
- Journalists and HIV care workers were arrested during obscenity sweeps.
What to watch next
- Trial outcomes for the jailed Kaos GL members
- Official response from the Turkish government regarding the 126 new detentions
- Further statements from the European Union regarding the nationwide investigations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- gayexpress.co.nz — Turkey Detains More Than 100 Protesters As LGBTQ+ Crackdown Intensifies
- www.yahoo.com — Turkey arrests dozens in anti-LGBT+ crackdown, shuts down hundreds of social media accounts
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Turkey expands LGBTQ+ crackdown with new arrests and protests
Turkish authorities have arrested 162 people in raids targeting LGBTQ+ bars, HIV support groups, and activists across 15 provinces. The government justifies these actions as protecting family values. Recent escalations include dozens of new arrests and the detention of protesters in Istanbul and Ankara who demanded the release of activists. While a court in Izmir has already jailed 16 individuals, the crackdown has triggered sharp criticism from the European Union and various Turkish organizations. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds at Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse on September 15.
Why it matters
The government designated 2026 as the start of its Decade of the Family. This policy shift provides the ideological basis for the current targeting of LGBTQI+ groups. The scale of the raids suggests a coordinated national effort to suppress these communities.
What is confirmed
- Police arrested 162 people during raids on LGBTQ+ bars and HIV organizations.
- The crackdown spanned 15 provinces.
- Police detained protesters in Istanbul and Ankara.
- The European Union and Turkish organizations have criticized the raids.
- The Turkish government declared 2026 the start of its Decade of the Family.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the 162 detainees
- Further policy announcements regarding the Decade of the Family
- Official response from the Turkish government to EU criticism
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nbcnews.com — Police detain dozens at Istanbul protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown
- www.courthousenews.com — Courts jail LGBTQ activists as Turkey crackdown widens
- en.tempo.co — Criticism of LGBTQ+ Raids in Turkey Is Growing
- www.metroweekly.com — Turkey Arrests 162 in Nationwide Anti-LGBTQ Raids
- ca.news.yahoo.com — Turkey arrests dozens in ongoing crackdown on LGBTQI+ groups
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Turkey Detains Hundreds in LGBTQ+ and HIV Support Group Crackdown
Turkish authorities have arrested 162 people during widespread raids targeting LGBTQ+ bars, activists' homes, and HIV support groups across five cities. The crackdown includes online censorship and the blocking of social media accounts. In Izmir, a court has jailed 16 individuals following these operations. Protests against the detentions erupted outside Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse on September 15, where police used tear gas to disperse crowds and detained at least 150 demonstrators. The European Union has expressed concern over the police actions.
Why it matters
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Islamist-rooted AK Party have a long history of targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This current wave of midnight raids and censorship represents a coordinated effort to suppress activist networks and health support groups.
What is confirmed
- Turkish police carried out raids on LGBTQ+ bars and the homes of activists.
- Authorities targeted HIV support groups as part of the crackdown.
- A court in Izmir jailed 16 people following raids on LGBTQ+ groups.
- Turkish authorities blocked online accounts and implemented censorship targeting the LGBTI+ community.
- Police used tear gas to disperse pro-LGBTQ+ protesters.
- The European Union expressed concern regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ raids.
Still unconfirmed
- 162 people were arrested in the initial raids.
- At least 150 people were detained on September 15 at Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the 16 jailed individuals in Izmir
- Official statements from the Turkish government regarding the legal basis for the raids
- Further responses from EU diplomatic missions in Turkey
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (16)
- dw.com — Turkey: 162 arrested in LGBTQ+ raids
- BBC — Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists
- AP News — Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups
- Bianet — Widespread police raids, online censorship target Turkey’s LGBTI+ community in new crackdown
- The Times of Israel — Turkish police carry out widespread raids on LGBTQ bars, activists’ homes
- Bloomberg.com — Turkey Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Groups, Blocks Online Accounts
- CNN — Turkey detains dozens after sweeping raids targeting LGBTQ+ groups
- aljazeera.com — Turkish authorities launch anti-LGBTQ raids, detaining dozens
- france24.com — Dozens arrested in major anti-LGBTQ raids in Turkey
- Reuters — Turkish court jails 16 in Izmir after raids on LGBTQ+ groups
- Le Monde.fr — EU 'concerned' about Turkey anti-LGBTQ raids
- France 24 — Turkey police disperse pro-LGBTQ protesters with tear gas
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