Türkiye Dozens detained at Istanbul LGBTQ+ protest

On September 15, protesters gathered outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan Courthouse to demand the release of LGBTQ+ activists detained during a wider government operation. Police surrounded the demonstration and detained participants. Turkey’s Human Rights Foundation reported that at least 106 people were detained during the Istanbul protest.

The protest followed a broader operation launched on September 13 against LGBTQ+ groups and individuals. Authorities searched association offices and other locations and restricted access to some LGBTQ+-related websites. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the operation, known as “My Family is Safe,” involved 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses.

The government has linked the operation to the protection of children, the family institution and public order. Reuters reported that the investigations span several provinces and that some suspects have been placed in pretrial detention. The figure of 162 refers to people covered by the investigation, rather than a confirmed total of detainees; detention and remand figures have varied by location and stage of the proceedings.

Outside the courthouse, protesters displayed banners supporting LGBTQ+ rights and called for the release of those previously detained. Police intervened and dispersed the demonstration. The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey said some lawyers were temporarily prevented from meeting detainees and documented allegations by detainees concerning ill-treatment during questioning.

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty also expressed concern over the raids, detentions and online restrictions. He said references to family values or child protection alone could not constitute a legal basis for restricting human rights, and called for the release of people detained for human-rights or civil-society work.

The events have also raised concerns about journalists’ ability to cover the crackdown. The Committee to Protect Journalists said two reporters covering the Istanbul protest were detained; one was later released while another remained in custody. Turkey’s Human Rights Foundation separately reported that journalists were forcibly removed from the area and prevented from carrying out their reporting duties.

The protest forms part of a longer period of restrictions affecting LGBTQ+ public events in Türkiye. The source material notes that Istanbul Pride has faced bans since 2015, with subsequent gatherings repeatedly dispersed. It also records that an LGBTQ+-themed cruise ship was denied permission to dock in Türkiye this summer.

Investigations and related legal proceedings remain ongoing. Further developments will depend on prosecutorial investigations, court decisions and any additional legal measures involving the organizations and individuals concerned.