Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations and activists

On September 13, 2026, Turkish law enforcement agencies launched a nationwide crackdown targeting LGBTQ+ activists, organizations, and entertainment venues. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that the operation, titled "Ailem Guvende" ("My Family is Safe"), resulted in legal actions against 162 suspects, 9 organizations, and 13 businesses across 15 provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara. Reports indicate that 21 individuals associated with the prominent advocacy group Kaos GL were arrested during raids on their Ankara offices.

Authorities justify these actions as part of the "Decade of the Family" (2026–2035) initiative, a vision established by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to protect social order and family institutions. While the government frames the move as a security measure, state prosecutors have cited allegations ranging from "insulting public modesty" and drug-related offenses to the formation of criminal organizations. The coordinated raids in cities such as Izmir, Aydin, and Mersin signify a notable intensification of state-led pressure on minority rights, raising concerns among activists regarding freedom of expression and assembly in Turkey.

The operations remain ongoing, with judicial proceedings initiated against all named suspects. Authorities continue to link these investigations to broader presidential decrees aimed at preserving traditional values and regulating public conduct.