Turkey's 'Ailem Güvende' operation targets LGBTQI+ community, leading to 81 arrests and widespread censorship.
Operation targets LGBTQI+ community
One month has passed since the launch of an operation in Turkey aimed at the LGBTQI+ community. Known as "Ailem Güvende" ("My family is safe"), the operation began on September 12 in 15 provinces and involved simultaneous searches at LGBTQI+ associations, the homes of rights defenders, and certain entertainment venues.Legal actions against individuals and groups
According to the Ministry of Justice, legal proceedings have been initiated against 162 people, 9 associations, and 13 establishments. The investigations include allegations of forming an organization to commit offenses, prostitution, obscenity, and violations of association legislation.Detainees face rejected appeals and mistreatment claims
Most appeals against the detention of those arrested have been rejected. Additionally, allegations of mistreatment in prison have emerged, raising concerns about the conditions faced by those held in custody.Social media restrictions follow the operation
In the days following the operation, social media accounts of journalists, LGBTQI+ rights defenders, and independent media outlets have been subject to blocking measures. This has limited the spread of information and raised concerns about freedom of expression in the country.