Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists
Summary
Turkish police arrested dozens of LGBTQ+ activists and protesters in recent raids and demonstrations in Istanbul and other provinces. The arrests are part of a government campaign called "My Family is Safe," which targets LGBTQ+ groups and supporters under the claim of protecting family values.Key Facts
- Police detained dozens of people during protests outside Istanbul’s main courthouse and in various provinces.
- The protests called for the release of LGBTQ+ activists arrested earlier in raids on gay bars and activists’ homes.
- The government’s campaign is named "My Family is Safe" and aims to protect family values by targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and groups.
- Authorities have raided association offices, blocked websites, and restricted social media accounts linked to LGBTQ+ organizations.
- Same-sex relations are legal in Turkey, but discrimination and homophobia remain common.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized LGBTQ+ people, linking them to concerns about the country’s birth rate.
- The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner expressed concern about the arrests and restrictions.
- The operation involves 162 individuals, nine associations, and 13 businesses across 15 provinces, coordinated by public prosecutors.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
