Turkish Medical Association decries social-media bans on health NGOs amid anti-LGBTI crackdown

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) denounced recent government actions that have disabled social-media profiles of several health-related NGOs as part of anti-LGBTI+ operations that began on Sep 12. Among the blocked accounts are those of the Sexual Education, Treatment and Research Association (CETAD), which provides HIV support, and the Psychiatric Association of Turkey (TPD), whose X page remains accessible. Authorities have also censored over 400 websites and detained more than 100 rights defenders in raids across 15 cities, invoking the country’s “obscenity” law under the “My Family Is Safe” campaign.

TTB warned that the restrictions jeopardize HIV testing, counseling and anti-stigma efforts, conflicting with the Health Ministry’s 2025-2030 HIV/AIDS control program. The Psychiatric Association warned that the bans limit physicians’ ability to share scientific knowledge about sexuality, risking public health. Both bodies called for an immediate end to pressure on LGBTI+ and HIV-focused organizations.