Turkey detains at least 60 in raids targeting LGBTQ groups
Police raids on gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ activists have drawn condemnation from rights groups, opposition parties and a European Parliament rapporteur.
Turkish police detained at least 60 people on Sunday in raids on gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ activists, according to France 24 International.
Turkish authorities said the operation was intended to promote traditional family values. The stated rationale has been condemned by rights groups, opposition parties and the European Parliament’s rapporteur on Turkey.
Historical reporting put the number detained at at least 63 in raids across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Mersin. The supplied material does not establish that all people under investigation were detained.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek was reportedly cited as saying prosecutors were investigating 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses. The material does not specify the alleged offences or establish the legal status of those investigated.
Kaos GL said nearly 50 LGBTQ rights defenders had either been detained or subjected to legal proceedings involving questioning or detention. No convictions or confirmed charges are identified in the source material.
