Police in Türkiye have reportedly used tear gas against hundreds of people protesting what rights groups describe as the government’s recent crackdown on the LGBTIQA+ community.
The BBC has reported that 47 LGBTIQA+ and HIV activists were detained in police raids conducted over the weekend on organisations, individuals and queer venues, including LGBTQIA+ news portal and support organisation Kaos GL, advocacy group Lambda Istanbul and the Pink Life QueerFest.
The arrests sparked protests, with authorities reportedly using tear gas against hundreds of demonstrators in İzmir. There are also reports that at least 150 demonstrators were detained in Istanbul on Tuesday, along with dozens more in Ankara.
French news agency AFP reported witnessing people being detained outside a courthouse in Istanbul after they held up a sign reading “Being LGBTQ+ is not a crime” and chanted “Long live the struggle for freedom.”
Homosexuality is not illegal in Türkiye. However, some activists and organisations have reportedly been accused of violating obscenity laws, while the government says its actions are part of efforts to protect family values.
The weekend operation was named “Operation My Family Is Safe” and took place during what the government has dubbed the “Year of the Family”.
Rights advocates in Türkiye have published an open letter calling for solidarity from LGBTIQA+ organisations around the world.
“We are alarmed by signs that legitimate civil society activities are being falsely labelled as criminal, including accusations related to obscenity, prostitution, drugs, and morality. The prosecution is attempting to create a narrative that LGBTI+ civil society organisations and human rights defenders are part of a criminal organisation.”
The letter argues that recent actions by authorities are having a broader impact on civil society.
“The blocking of digital platforms, raids, detentions, equipment seizures, targeting of associations, and scrutiny of lawful funding create a chilling effect on freedom of association, expression, and human rights.”
Human rights organisations argue that the measures target lawful advocacy and community activities, while authorities maintain they are acting to enforce existing laws and promote family values.
