Turkey’s ‘My Family is Safe’ raids detain dozens of LGBTQ+ activists
Turkish police conducted nationwide raids on Sunday, September 13, 2026, targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, venues, and activists. Authorities detained at least 63 people across 15 provinces under the 'My Family is Safe' operation. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that legal proceedings were initiated against 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses. The government framed the action as a measure to protect family values and children, aligning with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 'Decade of Family and Population' executive order. LGBTQ+ rights groups and international observers condemned the raids as state-led discrimination and a violation of fundamental rights, noting that websites and social media accounts of targeted groups were blocked prior to the arrests.
