Turkey detains dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists

Turkish authorities have detained dozens of people during a growing crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists, rights groups and venues across the country.

The latest arrests took place on Tuesday outside Istanbul’s main courthouse, where protesters had gathered to demand the release of LGBTQ+ activists detained during weekend raids. Police moved in after demonstrators displayed a banner stating that being LGBTQ+ is not a crime.

The protesters also chanted slogans calling for freedom and the release of those already in custody.

The arrests come amid a wider government campaign known as “My Family is Safe”. Turkish authorities say the initiative is aimed at protecting family values. However, rights organisations have described the recent actions as an expanding campaign against the LGBTQ+ community.

Over the past week, authorities have reportedly raided offices of civil society organisations, restricted access to websites and detained activists in several provinces. Human Rights Watch said the government had also blocked or limited access to the social media accounts and websites of numerous LGBTQ+, media and human rights organisations.

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the reported arrests, raids and restrictions targeting LGBTQ+ groups and human rights defenders.

According to his statement, Turkey’s Justice Minister said authorities were conducting operations against 162 individuals, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.

Same-sex relations are legal in Turkey, although LGBTQ+ people continue to face hostility and discrimination. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticised LGBTQ+ groups and linked them to concerns over Turkey’s declining birth rate.