Extensive police operations targeting LGBTQI+ organizations, activists, entertainment venues, and other individuals were carried out in 15 provinces of Turkey as part of an operation called “Ailem Güvende” (“My Family Is Safe”).
According to T24, Justice Minister Akin Gurek, stated that as part of the investigations, legal proceedings are underway against 162 suspects, nine organizations, and 13 companies. The investigations are being coordinated by prosecutors’ offices in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydın, and Mersin and concern, among other things, allegations of “offending public decency,” offenses related to prostitution and drugs, as well as the formation of a criminal organization.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Kaos GL, one of the best-known LGBTQI+ rights organizations in Turkey, was also at the center of the raids. As reported by T24, 21 individuals linked to the organization’s administrative and supervisory bodies were arrested, while its offices in Ankara were searched.
Raids were carried out at numerous locations in Istanbul, primarily at LGBT-themed bars. pic.twitter.com/oFtqFW0cvL
— Gazete Pano (@gazetepano) September 13, 2026
Prosecutors are examining posts and other online content under Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code regarding “offenses against public decency.” T24 notes, however, that the investigation documents it reviewed do not specify which specific content was deemed to violate the law.
T24 also reported that the performer Arif Satsli, known as “Zenne Arif,” was arrested in Izmir as part of the same operation.
The operations sparked reactions from human rights organizations, legal experts, and political figures. According to Bianet, critics of the measures argue that there is an attempt to criminalize the public presence and collective action of LGBTQI+ individuals.
Meanwhile, T24, citing the Freedom of Expression Union’s EngelliWeb program, reported that a court ruling on September 12 imposed restrictions on access to websites and social media accounts of LGBTQI+ organizations and activists.
Source: CNA
