Friday, September 18, 2026 - Turkish authorities have intensified a nationwide crackdown targeting LGBTQ+ groups, with at least 31 people arrested pending trial and 126 protesters detained during demonstrations in Ankara and Istanbul.
The latest arrests included five transgender women in Ankara and 26 people in the southern province of Mersin, while police intervened against demonstrators protesting the raids and arrests.
The operation, known as “My Family is Safe,” has involved raids on LGBTQ+ associations and other organizations across several provinces, alongside restrictions on websites and social-media accounts.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said investigations involve 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces. A court in Izmir has also jailed 18 people pending trial as part of the operation.
The crackdown has drawn concern from international rights officials and organizations. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty expressed concern over the arrests, raids and online restrictions, while Amnesty International called for detained activists to be released.
Turkish authorities say the operation is intended to protect children, family values and public order, while rights groups argue that the measures restrict fundamental rights and freedoms.
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