Turkey Arrests 162 People in Nationwide Raids Targeting LGBTQ+ Community

Turkish authorities arrested 162 people in nationwide raids targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Prosecutors stated the raids followed an investigation into LGBTQ+ groups over allegations of prostitution and obscenity, aiming to prevent such activities from being regarded as normal in society.

Police detained 47 people in a series of raids conducted across 12 provinces over the weekend. The Istanbul chief prosecutor's office reported 26 detentions, seizing drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol, and a firearm. The Ankara chief prosecutor's office detained 21 people as part of an investigation into the LGBTQ+ association Kaos GL, with five individuals still sought.

Kaos GL reported at least 50 activists were detained, including over 10 from police raids on their homes. The operations targeted gay bars, homes of activists, and offices of six LGBTQ+ associations and 13 businesses. Authorities also blocked access to dozens of websites and social media accounts linked to LGBTQ+ organizations. The campaign, dubbed "My Family is Safe," is part of a government initiative to protect family values.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that investigations involved judicial proceedings against 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses across 15 provinces. Prosecutors found evidence suggesting children and underage youths were being inappropriately influenced on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. Same-sex relations are not illegal in Turkey, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and homophobia is common.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has referred to LGBTQ people as perverts and a deviant movement, and promotes a "Decade of Family and Population" to address falling birth rates. Rights groups, including the Turkish Human Rights Association, accuse the government of state-led discrimination and dismantling civil society under the guise of family safety. Nacho Sanchez Amor, the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur, called the arrests a shocking escalation and a blatant violation of fundamental rights.