Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists
Turkish authorities have detained 47 people in a nationwide crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and venues under the 'My Family is Safe' campaign. The government claims the operation protects family values, while activists report widespread arrests and censorship of online platforms.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in state-sponsored suppression of LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey, highlighting growing tensions between the government and civil society.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Riot police chase LGBT activists as they try to gather for a pride parade in Istanbul
Police in Turkey have detained 47 people in a series of raids on gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists, officials say.
Raids took place in 12 provinces over the weekend as part of a campaign dubbed "My Family is Safe" that the Turkish government says has been designed to protect family values.
One of the targets of the operation was LGBTQ+ association Kaos GL.
Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Turkey, with growing pressure on gay couples. Human rights groups in Turkey have accused the government of using the campaign to target the LGBTQ+ community.
Officers detained 26 people and seized drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol and a firearm during the raids, according to the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office.
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