Turkey detains 26 people after raids targeting LGBTQ+ groups
Authorities said the operation targeted 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses as part of a family-protection campaign.
- Turkish security forces detained 26 individuals and raided six LGBTQ+ organization offices across 12 provinces following allegations of prostitution and obscenity.
- The nationwide operations, code-named "My Family is Safe," were conducted under President Tayyip Erdogan's "Decade of Family and Population" policy initiative targeting falling birth rates.
- Justice Minister Akin Gurlek confirmed related judicial proceedings against 162 suspects, nine civil society associations, and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.
- Turkish courts simultaneously ordered digital blocks on dozens of websites and social media accounts belonging to major human rights platforms, including Kaos GL and Lambdaistanbul.
- Human rights organizations strongly condemned the raids, characterizing the police action as state-led discrimination and a systemic effort to dismantle Turkish civil society.
220 Articles
220 Articles
Although relations between people of the same sex are not illegal in Turkey, the LGBTQ community is facing a harsh repression under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish police arrested at least 162 people and searched the premises of six LGBTQ+ associations in weekend raids as part of the authorities' campaign to protect family values, DW reports.
EADaily, September 14, 2026 The Jerusalem Post reports that Turkish silvivors carried out a large-scale operation against LGBT communities.
This vast operation was highlighted by the Islamic-conservative power of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who claims to act in the name of the protection of the traditional family.
Authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish authorities cracked down on multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals early Sunday morning, detaining dozens of members, breaking into association offices and raiding popular hangouts. In an escalation of its decade-long hostility toward LGBTQ+ groups, particularly in the lead-up to elections, simultaneous police raids beginning at 1 a.m. took place in the major cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin.
The vast operation of the Islamic-Conservative power, which claims to act in the name of the protection of the traditional family.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
