Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists
Turkish authorities have intensified a wide-ranging crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and independent media, blocking the popular news portal T24 over accusations of publishing LGBT propaganda. A Turkish court ordered the restriction of the website and its social media accounts after the Justice Ministry cited 118 pieces of content published over the past year. Meanwhile, journalist Tugba Tekerek was imprisoned over a two-year-old article concerning LGBTQ+ individuals in Georgia. Rights groups and European officials have strongly criticized the measures, which treat objective reporting as a crime. The actions form part of a broader investigation that has already resulted in dozens of arrests across multiple provinces.
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- ✓ A Turkish court ordered access to the independent news portal T24 and its social media accounts blocked over content deemed LGBT propaganda.
- ✓ The Justice Ministry stated that T24 had published 118 pieces of content over the past year deemed to constitute LGBT propaganda.
- ✓ Journalist Tugba Tekerek was imprisoned over an article she wrote two years ago about LGBTQ+ people in Georgia.
- ✓ Canada's NDP called for the Canadian government to suspend trade talks with Turkey amid the LGBTQ+ crackdown.
What changed
A Turkish court blocked the independent news portal T24 and its social media accounts over alleged LGBT propaganda, while journalist Tugba Tekerek was imprisoned.
Live updates
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Turkey Blocks News Portal and Jails Journalist in LGBTQ+ Crackdown
Turkish authorities have intensified a wide-ranging crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and independent media, blocking the popular news portal T24 over accusations of publishing LGBT propaganda. A Turkish court ordered the restriction of the website and its social media accounts after the Justice Ministry cited 118 pieces of content published over the past year. Meanwhile, journalist Tugba Tekerek was imprisoned over a two-year-old article concerning LGBTQ+ individuals in Georgia. Rights groups and European officials have strongly criticized the measures, which treat objective reporting as a crime. The actions form part of a broader investigation that has already resulted in dozens of arrests across multiple provinces.
Why it matters
The expanding restrictions follow a series of home raids and arrests targeting human rights defenders and LGBTQ+ organizations under obscenity laws. The current government drive has sparked international pushback, with Canada's NDP calling for trade talks with Turkey to be suspended over human rights concerns. Press freedom advocates argue that the judicial actions effectively criminalize journalism and independent discourse.
What is confirmed
- A Turkish court ordered access to the independent news portal T24 and its social media accounts blocked over content deemed LGBT propaganda.
- The Justice Ministry stated that T24 had published 118 pieces of content over the past year deemed to constitute LGBT propaganda.
- Journalist Tugba Tekerek was imprisoned over an article she wrote two years ago about LGBTQ+ people in Georgia.
- Canada's NDP called for the Canadian government to suspend trade talks with Turkey amid the LGBTQ+ crackdown.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics claim that the Liberal government's drive to diversify trade away from the United States has pushed it toward countries with questionable human rights records.
What to watch next
- The legal appeal of the access ban by news portal T24.
- Further international diplomatic responses or trade policy adjustments from countries like Canada.
- Additional arrests or court rulings related to the ongoing investigation into LGBTQ+ groups.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.channeldraw.org — Tugba Tekerek: a journalist jailed as Turkey expands its ...
- www.kiprinform.com — Turkish court orders T24 website and social media accounts blocked
- www.hilltimes.com — NDP calls for Canada to suspend trade talks with Turkey amid LGBTQ+ crackdown
- en.wikipedia.org — Turkey - Wikipedia
- www.worldatlas.com — Turkey Maps & Facts - World Atlas
- www.lonelyplanet.com — 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Türkiye - Lonely Planet
- www.internazionale.it — Journalists decry crackdown after Turkey blocks news site over ‘LGBT propaganda’ - Internazionale
- www.yahoo.com — Journalists decry crackdown after Turkey blocks news site over 'LGBT propaganda'
- www.straitstimes.com — Journalists decry crackdown after Turkey blocks news site over 'LGBT propaganda'
- www.al-monitor.com — Journalists decry crackdown after Turkey blocks news site over 'LGBT propaganda' - AL-MONITOR: The Middle....
- www.straitstimes.com — Turkish court orders access ban on popular news portal over 'LGBTQ+ propaganda'
- cyprus-mail.com — Turkish court orders access ban on popular news portal over 'LGBTQ+ propaganda' | Cyprus Mail
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Turkey arrests dozens in LGBTQ+ crackdown
Turkish authorities have arrested at least 116 people across 15 provinces since September 13, 2026, in a crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and human rights defenders. Police raided homes, venues, and offices, placing at least 83 individuals in detention. The government claims the raids are under obscenity laws to protect families, while activists describe it as a rights crisis. Protests have led to further police detentions in multiple cities.
Why it matters
The crackdown has sparked international concern and condemnation from human rights groups. Turkish authorities have been accused of escalating a rights crisis, with the LGBTQ+ community facing increased repression. The situation has drawn attention from international organizations and activists, who warn of a chilling effect on free expression.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities have arrested at least 116 people across 15 provinces since September 13, 2026.
- Police raided homes, venues, and offices, placing at least 83 individuals in detention.
- The government claims the raids are under obscenity laws to protect families.
- Activists describe the crackdown as a rights crisis.
- Protests have led to further police detentions in multiple cities.
- Over 160 detentions were reported within a single week.
Still unconfirmed
- A provision in the COP31 hosting agreement could have a chilling effect on free expression in Antalya.
What to watch next
- Further protests and detentions in Turkey
- International response to the crackdown
- COP31 hosting agreement implications
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.climatechangenews.com — COP31 attendees told not to interfere in Türkiye’s “internal affairs”
- www.gaytimes.com — Turkey’s LGBTQIA+ crackdown: Everything you need to know
- 76crimes.com — Turkey’s anti-LGBT crackdown expands; activists fight back
- acleddata.com — Is Turkey expanding its crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups?
- www.tcnjsignalnews.com — Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community under fire as protestors face ...
- transcripts.cnn.com — U.K. Police Arrest Five On Suspicion Of Terror Near Base Used By U.S.; Deadly Nor'easter Lashes Coastal C....
- www.fidh.org — Turkey: Mass arbitrary detention of LGBTIQ+ human rights ...
- transcripts.cnn.com — Storm Slams U.S. Northeast Coast with Rain, Wind and Flooding; China's Latest Panda Diplomats Head to Zoo....
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Turkish police arrest at least 116 in LGBTQ+ crackdown
Turkish authorities have arrested at least 116 people across 15 provinces since September 13 as part of a large-scale operation targeting LGBTI organizations and human rights defenders. Police raided homes, venues, and offices, placing at least 83 individuals in detention. While the government justifies the raids under obscenity laws to protect families, activists and human rights groups describe the crackdown as part of an escalating rights crisis. Protests against the arrests have led to further police detentions in multiple cities.
Why it matters
The operations involve the seizure of hard drives and rainbow flags as evidence. European nations and human rights organizations claim these actions threaten the rule of law. The crackdown occurs against a backdrop of increasing pressure on non-governmental organizations in Turkey.
What is confirmed
- Police arrested at least 116 people across 15 provinces starting September 13.
- At least 83 people have been placed in detention.
- Raids targeted homes, venues, and the offices of LGBTI rights organizations.
- Police detained protesters during demonstrations against the crackdown.
Still unconfirmed
- Yıldız Tar of Kaos GL claims the crackdown is the start of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's 2028 reelection campaign.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the 83 detainees
- Official government response to the 116 arrest figure
- Further reports on national security or espionage charges
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.turkishminute.com — Erdoğan’s LGBTQ crackdown ‘first step of election campaign’: activist
- nordicmonitor.com — Erdogan gov’t turns LGBTQ+ crackdown into national security and espionage case
- www.navarashtra.com — Turkey LGBTQ Crackdown :डझनभर जणांना अटक ;तुर्कीमध्ये LGBTQ +कार्यकर्त्यांवर धाडसत्र
- www.amnesty.org — Türkiye’s crackdown on LGBTI groups and activists is part of an escalating rights crisis
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Turkey expands LGBTQ+ crackdown with raids on bars and NGOs
Turkish authorities are conducting widespread raids on homes, bars, and non-governmental organizations to arrest LGBTQ+ activists and journalists. The prime minister ordered the operations under obscenity laws, which the government claims are necessary to protect families. Dozens remain jailed pending trial while police seize hard drives and rainbow flags as evidence. The crackdown has sparked protests and drew condemnation from several European nations and human rights organizations, who argue the actions threaten fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Why it matters
The campaign began on September 12 and has targeted HIV care workers and social media accounts. International pressure is mounting as envoys from Germany, France, and other nations demand respect for civil liberties.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities are arresting LGBTQ+ activists and journalists under obscenity laws.
- Police have conducted raids on bars, NGOs, and private residences.
- The Turkish government states the operations aim to protect families.
- Dozens of individuals are jailed pending trial.
Still unconfirmed
- Hundreds of LGBTQ activists have been arrested.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the status of those jailed pending trial
- Official responses from the US government regarding the arrests
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- townhall.com — Turkey Cracks Down on LGBTQ Activists, Raises Uncomfortable Questions for Americans
- 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 widens anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown with obscenity law arrests
Turkish authorities are conducting nationwide raids and arrests of LGBTQ+ activists, HIV care workers, and journalists under obscenity laws. At least 82 people remain jailed pending trial following actions that began on September 12. Police used tear gas against protesters, and the government has shut down hundreds of social media accounts. Envoys from France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Iceland have called on Turkey to respect civil liberties as international pressure mounts. A government minister stated the operations aim to protect families.
Why it matters
The crackdown targets rights groups like Kaos GL and HIV support networks. It follows a pattern of increasing restrictions on digital expression and assembly in Turkey. European diplomats are now coordinating a response to the detention of activists.
What is confirmed
- At least 82 people have been jailed pending trial during the crackdown.
- Turkish authorities have detained 126 protesters.
- The government shut down hundreds of social media accounts.
- Envoys from France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Iceland urged Turkey to respect civil liberties.
Still unconfirmed
- Police used tear gas against protesters during the crackdown.
- A government minister claimed the arrests were intended to protect families.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the 82 individuals currently jailed pending trial
- Further diplomatic responses from the European Union or individual member states
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- gayexpress.co.nz — Turkey Detains More Than 100 Protesters As LGBTQ+ Crackdown Intensifies
- www.theguardian.com — Turkey detains dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and journalists
- www.yahoo.com — Turkey arrests dozens in anti-LGBT+ crackdown, shuts down hundreds of social media accounts
- cvindependent.com — Counting the Days Until AI Kills Us All (and We’re Not Entirely Joking)–Coachella Valley Independent’s Indy Digest: Sept. 17, 2026
- uk.news.yahoo.com — No longer going to fund the fraud, we’re going to fight it: Federal prosecutor
- uk.news.yahoo.com — Two men located and rescued after boat capsizes, leaving them stranded on tree limb
- www.turkishminute.com — Envoys from 6 European countries join backlash over Turkey’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown
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Turkey Jails LGBTQ+ Activists Amid Broadening Crackdown
Turkish authorities have arrested 162 people in raids targeting LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups. On Tuesday, courts jailed eight members of the rights group Kaos GL pending trial. The crackdown has triggered protests in Istanbul and Ankara, leading to the detention of at least 150 demonstrators at one event and dozens more at an Istanbul courthouse. The government links these operations to the protection of family values, while the European Union has expressed concern over the raids. Online restrictions have also expanded to block X accounts of journalists and women's rights groups.
Why it matters
The government designated 2026 as the start of the Decade of the Family. This policy shift precedes a series of nationwide police operations against LGBTQ+ organizations. These actions have led to accusations of criminalization and human rights violations from global observers.
What is confirmed
- Turkish authorities arrested 162 people in LGBTQ+ raids.
- Eight members of the LGBTQ+ rights group Kaos GL were jailed pending trial on Tuesday.
- Police detained at least 150 people at a protest over the arrests.
- Authorities targeted both LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups.
- The European Union expressed concern regarding the anti-LGBTQ raids.
- Turkey has issued access blocking orders for the X accounts of journalists Irfan Degirmenci and Sirin Payzin, as well as the news outlet soL Haber.
- Police detained dozens of demonstrators outside an Istanbul courthouse on Tuesday.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the eight jailed Kaos GL members
- Further expansion of social media blocking orders
- Official responses from the Turkish government regarding EU concerns
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- dw.com — Turkey: 162 arrested in LGBTQ+ raids
- PBS — Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups
- Le Monde.fr — EU 'concerned' about Turkey anti-LGBTQ raids
- CNN — Turkish authorities detain at least 150 at protest over LGBTQ+ arrests
- AP News — Police detain dozens at an Istanbul courthouse protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown
- washingtonpost.com — Turkey expands arrests after LGBTQ+ crackdown
- BBC — Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists
- www.nbcnews.com — Police detain dozens at Istanbul protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown
- www.sfexaminer.com — Turkey begins broad crackdown on LGBTQ+ community
- sg.news.yahoo.com — Turkey arrests dozens in ongoing crackdown on LGBTQI+ groups
- www.courthousenews.com — Courts jail LGBTQ activists as Turkey crackdown widens
- stockholmcf.org — Turkey expands X blocking orders to journalists, women’s groups amid LGBT crackdown
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