Turkish authorities have launched a series of coordinated raids on LGBTQ+ rights organizations and HIV advocacy groups across multiple cities, arresting protesters and staff while targeting offices in what officials claim is an effort to "protect families" under obscenity laws. The crackdown has expanded to include journalists, with over 150 arrests reported during demonstrations against the operations, which began in the early hours of Sunday. Police actions took place simultaneously in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Aydın, and Mersin, raising concerns over escalating restrictions on LGBTQ+ activism. Critics argue the measures disproportionately harm vulnerable communities already facing legal and social challenges.
Protesters teargassed as minister claims widespread raids and arrests under obscenity laws were to ‘protect families’ Turkish authorities have used accusations of obscenity to justify a wave of raids and arrests targeting the LGBTQ+ community, which has grown to include journalists as well as more than 150 arrested during protests against the raids.Starting in the early hours of Sunday, Turkish police carried out simultaneous raids on the offices of LGBTQ+ rights organisations and HIV-advocacy groups in the cities of Istanbul, the capital, Ankara, and the coastal city of İzmir, as well as the cities of Aydın and Mersin. Continue reading...
