World · Middle East · 10 hrs ago
LGBT+ people face arrests in Turkey under “My Family Is Safe” operation
Turkey has launched a police operation called “My Family Is Safe” that has targeted LGBT+ people since September 12.
Dozens have faced prosecution, and some have been jailed.
Homosexuality is not criminalized in Turkey, but the government has linked LGBT+ people to the country’s falling birth rate.
The crackdown has left activists worried they could be arrested.
Ilksen, an activist in Istanbul, says he is staying with friends and has hidden materials connected to his work.
Züleyha, whose daughter is transgender, says she will keep fighting for her child.
Activists have spoken out against the operation, while police have blocked a nearby street to prevent a show of solidarity.
Turkey has arrested dozens of LGBT+ people since 12 September in a police operation called “My Family Is Safe.”
Some people have been prosecuted and, in some cases, jailed, although homosexuality is not criminalised in Turkey.
The operation has increased fear among LGBT+ activists, some of whom say they are hiding and removing items that could be used as evidence.
The government has linked LGBT+ people to the country’s falling birth rate, while activists and relatives have condemned the crackdown.
- Who
- Dozens of LGBT+ people have been arrested or prosecuted, and some have been jailed.
- What
- Turkey launched a police operation called “My Family Is Safe” targeting LGBT+ people.
- When
- Arrests began on 12 September 2026.
- Where
- Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul.
- Why
- The government presents the operation as addressing the falling birth rate and has blamed LGBT+ people for its decline.
Turkish government
LGBT+ activists and relatives
Purpose
Turkish government
The government says the operation is called “My Family Is Safe” and frames it around the falling birth rate.
LGBT+ activists and relatives
Activists and relatives say the operation puts LGBT+ people and their families at risk.
Impact
Turkish government
The government has linked LGBT+ people to the country’s falling birth rate.
LGBT+ activists and relatives
Activists say they live in fear of arrest; one activist said he was hiding and removing items that could be used as evidence.
Will they arrest me tonight? We live with this risk and this fear.
What security are they talking about? Our families are not safe.
Arrests of LGBT+ people began as part of the “My Family Is Safe” operation.
A protest against the operation took place in Ankara.
LGBT+ activist Ilksen has been staying with friends and avoiding his home.
franceinfo published its report on the crackdown and the fear among LGBT+ people.
- Operation name
- My Family Is Safe
- Arrests began
- 12 September 2026
- People affected
- Dozens of LGBT+ people
- Homosexuality
- Not criminalised in Turkey
- Protest location and date
- Ankara, 15 September 2026
Sources
Related news
Burnham says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard likely directed Fairford plot
Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut
PKK withdraws from four camps in northern Iraq as peace process advances
Iran offers to help mediate as Saudi-Houthi conflict escalates
Missile strike on Riyadh airport kills at least 12, injures more than 300
Melbourne Islamic leader rejects claims linking centre to Flydubai cockpit attack
UK summons Iran’s ambassador over suspected role in RAF Fairford incident
Houthi missiles and drones strike targets in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh airport stays closed as KLM suspends Saudi Arabia flights
Riyadh airport strike kills one and injures 11 a day after deadly attack
Riyadh airport hit again as Houthis warn airlines to avoid Saudi airspace
