Turkish mother of gay son detained for alleged attack on family values

Nedime Erdogan, once a café owner in Istanbul, began supporting her gay son by establishing a group for parents of LGBT youth. Over the years she emerged as a prominent advocate, delivering speeches and contributing to a queer magazine. Recent police action led to her imprisonment, with officials alleging she threatened the nation’s family values.

The arrest underscores a broader crackdown on LGBT activism in Turkey and raises concerns about the limits of civil society. Critics argue the charge is politically motivated, while supporters view it as a warning to other activists. The case highlights the tension between conservative policies and emerging human-rights movements.