Turkey’s ‘Family is Safe’ raids detain dozens of LGBTI+ activists, including Nedime Erdoğan
The Turkish government launched the “Family is Safe” operation, resulting in raids across 15 provinces that led to the arrest of 82 people, among them LGBTI+ activist Nedime Erdoğan.
On September 12, Turkish police began the “Family is Safe” crackdown, sweeping through 15 provinces to raid LGBTI+ organisations, activists and gathering places. The operation has so far resulted in 82 formal arrests, among them Nedime Erdoğan, a board member of Kaos GL and founder of the Rainbow Families Association, who responded to questions from Sincan Women’s Closed Prison. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that 162 people, nine NGOs and 13 businesses face charges ranging from organized crime to obscenity, while the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor reported 38 suspects in 12 provinces and numerous searches of LGBTI+ venues.
Simultaneous internet bans blocked dozens of association websites and hundreds of social-media accounts. Erdoğan criticised the political agenda behind the raids, emphasizing that families should protect and accept LGBTI+ children rather than succumb to pressure. LGBTI+ groups have denounced the criminalisation of their work, noting no clear link between their activities and the accusations.
Why it matters
The crackdown shows how Turkey is using legal measures to suppress LGBTI+ activism, affecting civil liberties and community safety.
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