Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists

Live updates

1. 4h ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. gayexpress.co.nz — Turkey Detains More Than 100 Protesters As LGBTQ+ Crackdown Intensifies
   2. www.theguardian.com — Turkey detains dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and journalists
   3. www.yahoo.com — Turkey arrests dozens in anti-LGBT+ crackdown, shuts down hundreds of social media accounts
   4. 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
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   6. uk.news.yahoo.com — Two men located and rescued after boat capsizes, leaving them stranded on tree limb
   7. www.turkishminute.com — Envoys from 6 European countries join backlash over Turkey’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown
   confidence 90%
2. 1d ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. dw.com — Turkey: 162 arrested in LGBTQ+ raids
   2. PBS — Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups
   3. Le Monde.fr — EU 'concerned' about Turkey anti-LGBTQ raids
   4. CNN — Turkish authorities detain at least 150 at protest over LGBTQ+ arrests
   5. AP News — Police detain dozens at an Istanbul courthouse protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown
   6. washingtonpost.com — Turkey expands arrests after LGBTQ+ crackdown
   7. BBC — Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists
   8. www.nbcnews.com — Police detain dozens at Istanbul protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown
   9. www.sfexaminer.com — Turkey begins broad crackdown on LGBTQ+ community
   10. sg.news.yahoo.com — Turkey arrests dozens in ongoing crackdown on LGBTQI+ groups
   11. www.courthousenews.com — Courts jail LGBTQ activists as Turkey crackdown widens
   12. stockholmcf.org — Turkey expands X blocking orders to journalists, women’s groups amid LGBT crackdown
   confidence 95%