Turkish authorities conduct nationwide crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations and activists

Beginning on September 13, 2026, Turkish authorities launched a nationwide operation dubbed "My Family is Safe" across 15 provinces, targeting LGBTQ+ activists, organizations, and entertainment venues. Justice Minister Akin Gürlek confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against 162 suspects, 9 organizations, and 13 businesses. The campaign, which aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s "2026–2035 Family and Population Decade" vision, aims to protect traditional family values and public order. Authorities have conducted raids in cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, seizing items such as digital equipment and drugs. While officials report dozens of detentions—including 26 in Istanbul, 21 in Ankara, and 18 in Izmir—the organization Kaos GL claims the number of arrests is higher, citing at least 50 activists. In Izmir, a court has already ordered the pretrial detention of 16 individuals.

The situation escalated further on September 15, when police arrested at least 150 people during a protest outside the Çağlayan Courthouse in Istanbul, where activists gathered to denounce the crackdown. In response to these developments, the European Commission expressed concern, reminding Turkey of its obligations regarding human rights and non-discrimination as a candidate country for EU membership. Meanwhile, local authorities have also blocked several websites and social media accounts associated with LGBTQ+ groups, intensifying the pressure on the community.