Turkish authorities have intensified their crackdown on LGBTQ organisations, detaining at least 63 individuals during nationwide raids. This operation, dubbed ‘My Family is Safe’, reflects a significant escalation in the government’s long-standing hostility towards LGBTQ rights, which has been increasingly evident over the past decade.
The raids targeted gay bars, activist homes, and offices of various LGBTQ groups in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. The Justice Minister stated that these actions aim to protect children and uphold family values, aligning with President Erdogan’s initiative to combat the country’s declining birthrate.
Critics argue that this operation is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress civil society and instill fear within the LGBTQ community. Rights groups, including Kaos GL, have reported that many activists are now facing legal proceedings, with accusations of obscenity against their online content.
The European Parliament has condemned these detentions, highlighting them as a shocking escalation of repression in Turkey. This crackdown not only threatens the safety of LGBTQ individuals but also signals a broader trend of diminishing civil liberties in the country.
Source: Al Jazeera
