Turkish authorities have detained dozens of protesters and activists as rights groups warn of growing pressure on LGBTQ+ organisations and venues.
ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities have detained dozens of people in a widening crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists, rights groups and venues across the country, according to rights organisations and officials.
The latest detentions took place Tuesday outside Istanbul’s main courthouse, where protesters had gathered to demand the release of LGBTQ+ activists detained during weekend raids.
Police moved against the demonstrators after they displayed a banner saying that being LGBTQ+ is not a crime. Protesters also chanted slogans calling for freedom and demanding the release of people already in custody.
The arrests came amid a broader government campaign known as “My Family is Safe,” which Turkish authorities say is intended to protect family values. Rights organisations, however, have described the recent measures as an expanding campaign targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
Over the past week, authorities have reportedly raided the 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.
The latest actions have intensified concerns among rights groups about restrictions on LGBTQ+ organisations and activists in Turkey.
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. His government has promoted policies focused on what it describes as the protection of traditional family values.
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