Turkey raids LGBTQ+ groups, at least 63 detained

Turkish police launched coordinated raids on Sept. 13 targeting LGBTQ+ organisations, activists and related businesses in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Mersin. Gay bars, association offices and activists’ homes were searched, with state media reporting at least 63 detentions.

Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said prosecutors were investigating 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses under an operation named “My Family Is Safe”. He said authorities were acting to protect children, the family institution and public order.

Those targeted included current and former members of LGBTQ+ rights and HIV-awareness organisations. Several groups had also faced website restrictions before the raids. Rights organisations have raised concerns about the scope of the investigation and its impact on civil society.

Human Rights Watch reported on Sept. 18 that coordinated raids between Sept. 12 and 14 had resulted in at least 112 arrests, with 82 people still detained under court orders. The organisation said the operations covered LGBTQ+ and HIV-support groups in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin.

The raids form part of a broader pattern of restrictions affecting LGBTQ+ public activity in Turkey. Istanbul Pride has been banned since 2015, and subsequent Pride-related gatherings have repeatedly faced police intervention. Same-sex sexual activity remains legal in Turkey, although LGBTQ+ people continue to face social and public restrictions.