Overview
- Turkish police carried out coordinated raids across 15 provinces that began on Sunday, Sept. 13, as prosecutors said they sought to detain 162 people and searched nine associations plus bars, clubs and a hammam.
- Authorities and prosecutors have charged dozens of suspects with offenses such as dissemination of obscene content, incitement to prostitution, drug possession and alleged foreign funding links.
- Multiple social media accounts for LGBT+ groups, media and NGOs were blocked and organisations including Kaos GL reported searches, detentions and suspended operations.
- A protest in Izmir against the raids was dispersed with tear gas and two people were arrested, and pro-government outlets praised the operation as protecting families and cutting foreign funding.
- The European Commission expressed concern and reminded Turkey, an EU candidate and Council of Europe member, to uphold human rights, while activists warn the sweep has already disrupted HIV and community support services.