Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Turkey's LGBTQ Crackdown Widens as 62 Remanded, EU Condemns Move
Turkish authorities arrested LGBTQ activists and supporters in several parts of the country.
Courts ordered 62 of them to stay in custody.
Police had reportedly detained more than 200 people during the wider operation.
The raids included homes, venues and organizations in 15 provinces.
Protests followed in cities including Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
More than 100 protesters were also reportedly arrested.
Turkish officials said the operation was meant to protect children and families.
Rights groups and the European Union said the crackdown was an alarming act of repression.
Turkish courts ordered 62 LGBTQ activists and supporters to remain in custody after raids across 15 provinces.
Authorities reportedly detained more than 200 people in a wider operation targeting activists, venues and residences.
The initial raids reportedly targeted 162 individuals, nine organizations and 13 companies, with about 110 people detained.
More than 100 protesters were reportedly arrested as demonstrations erupted in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
The European Union and rights groups condemned the arrests, while Turkish officials cited protecting children and family values.
- Who
- Turkish authorities detained LGBTQ activists, supporters, protesters, journalists and others; rights groups and the European Union criticized the operation.
- What
- A crackdown involving raids, arrests and court-ordered detention of LGBTQ activists and supporters expanded, with 62 people remanded in custody.
- When
- The initial raids began early Sunday; further court decisions and protests occurred over the following days, with the report published September 16, 2026.
- Where
- The operation covered 15 Turkish provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Mersin and Aydin.
- Why
- Turkish officials said the operation aimed to protect children, family values and public order; critics said it represented increased repression of LGBTQ people.
Rights Groups and European Critics
Turkish Authorities
Nature of the operation
Rights Groups and European Critics
Rights groups and the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur described the arrests as repression and a shocking escalation targeting LGBTQ people and civil society.
Turkish Authorities
Turkish officials defended the operation as an effort to protect children, the institution of the family and public order.
Treatment of LGBTQ organizations
Rights Groups and European Critics
Rights groups reported arrests of Kaos GL members, transgender people and a journalist, along with blocked social media accounts belonging to LGBTQ groups and media outlets.
Turkish Authorities
Authorities proceeded with raids involving organizations, venues and residences while citing allegations including prostitution, obscenity and exposing minors to inappropriate content.
Public response
Rights Groups and European Critics
Opposition parties, Turkish rights groups and the European Union condemned the crackdown, while protesters demonstrated in major cities.
Turkish Authorities
Police dispersed demonstrations, including with tear gas in Izmir, and detained protesters during the unrest.
- People remanded in custody
- 62
- Wider reported detentions
- More than 200 people
- Initial reported detentions
- About 110 people
- Operation's geographic scope
- 15 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir
- Warrant reportedly listed
- 162 individuals, nine organizations and 13 companies
- Reported protest arrests
- More than 100 people over two days
- Legal status of same-sex relationships
- Same-sex relationships remain legal in Turkey