Turkey's Draconian Raids Target LGBTQ+ and HIV Support Groups

In a significant escalation of its ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, Turkish authorities conducted a series of coordinated police raids across major cities on September 13, 2026. The raids, which began in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the detention of dozens of individuals linked to various LGBTQ+ organizations and HIV support groups.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that the operation was part of an investigation involving 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses. He justified the actions by claiming they were necessary to 'protect children, the institution of the family, and public order,' echoing a directive from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aimed at safeguarding family values. The raids coincided with a period of heightened political sensitivity as the country approaches elections.

In addition to detaining individuals, police forces raided offices of known LGBTQ+ associations and blocked access to their websites. The Human Rights Association condemned the raids as a politically motivated attack on civil society, arguing that the charges against the groups serve to criminalize the entire community rather than address any genuine legal issues. This wave of repression reflects the ruling Justice and Development Party's increasing hostility toward LGBTQ+ rights, which has been evident since the banning of Istanbul Pride in 2015, with authorities consistently breaking up any attempts at public gatherings since then.

Source: www.thehindu.com