ISTANBUL — Early Sunday, Turkish police swept through multiple LGBTQ+ organizations and individual activists, detaining dozens, forcing entry into association offices, and raiding known gathering spots.
The operation marks an intensification of the government’s decade‑long opposition to LGBTQ+ groups, especially ahead of elections. Beginning at 1 a.m., simultaneous raids unfolded in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydın and Mersin.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced on social media that the probe of 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses aims to “protect children, the family institution, and public order,” in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ten‑year executive order on family and children.
“Under the constitutional mandate to safeguard families and children, the state will not tolerate any criminal network, abuse ring, or illegal activity that threatens minors, youths or households,” Gurlek stated.
The raids targeted both current and former members of several prominent LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness groups, and the organizations’ websites were subsequently blocked.
Gurlek added that these associations reportedly receive substantial funding from international sources and agencies.
The Human Rights Association denounced the actions, saying, “This is not a criminal investigation; it is a political maneuver designed to impose a uniform family model and eradicate LGBTI+ and independent civil society under the pretext of protecting family and children.”
Adding charges such as ‘forming a criminal organization,’ ‘drug trafficking,’ ‘prostitution,’ and ‘obscenity’ does not uncover truth but seeks to stigmatize the entire community.
The ruling Justice and Development Party has grown increasingly outspoken against LGBTQ+ groups to appease its conservative base. In 2015 it banned Istanbul Pride, which previously drew tens of thousands, and since then authorities have forcefully dispersed any Pride‑related gatherings.
Earlier this summer, an LGBTQ+ cruise ship that regularly tours the Mediterranean and has docked in Turkey before was denied permission to berth.
Although the Ottoman Empire decriminalized homosexuality in 1858, contemporary Turkey still experiences considerable social discrimination.