Turkish authorities launched simultaneous early-morning raids across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin on Sunday, detaining dozens of members of LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness groups.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the investigation into 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses aims to "protect children, the institution of the family, and public order" per executive orders. Police raided offices and popular hangouts, blocking organizational websites while alleging international funding.
The Human Rights Association condemned the crackdown as a "political operation" designed to purge independent civil society. It criticized authorities for leveling unrelated charges such as forming criminal organizations, prostitution and drug offenses.
The operation reflects an escalation in hostility by the ruling Justice and Development Party, which banned Istanbul Pride in 2015 and recently blocked an LGBTQ+ cruise ship from docking. Although the Ottoman Empire decriminalized homosexuality in 1858, social discrimination remains widespread in Turkey.