Turkish police detain 47 people in weekend raids on LGBTQ+ venues under ‘My Family is Safe’ campaign
Coordinated police operations in 12 Turkish provinces over a single weekend resulted in 47 detentions – 26 in Istanbul and 21 in Ankara – targeting gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists.
Turkish police detained 47 people during coordinated weekend raids in 12 provinces, targeting gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists, officials said. The operation was presented by the government as part of a family‑values drive called “My Family is Safe”.
Scope of the raids
The raids were carried out over a single weekend and spanned 12 provinces, according to BBC News. The police action focused on venues frequented by the LGBTQ+ community and on the premises of activists, including the association Kaos GL. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek framed the operation as a protection of family values, while human‑rights organisations warned that the campaign could be used to target the community more broadly.
Details of the detentions
Of the 47 people detained, 26 were taken in Istanbul and 21 in Ankara. The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office reported that officers seized drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol and a firearm during the arrests. The Ankara chief prosecutor’s office confirmed a further 21 detentions linked to an investigation into Kaos GL.
| Location | Number detained | Unit | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 47 | people | weekend raids |
| Istanbul | 26 | people | weekend raids |
| Ankara | 21 | people | weekend raids |
| Source: BBC News – Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists | |||
Government framing and legal actions
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said that legal proceedings have been started against more than 160 people and a number of organisations and companies across the country as part of the campaign. He emphasized that the operation is intended to protect families, a narrative echoed in official statements about the “My Family is Safe” campaign.
“As part of ‘My Family is Safe’, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek says legal proceedings have been started against more than 160 people and a number of organisations and companies across the country.” – BBC News
Reactions and unanswered questions
Human‑rights groups in Turkey have accused the government of using the campaign to target the LGBTQ+ community, noting that same‑sex marriage is not recognised in Turkey and that pressure on gay couples has been increasing. The BBC report does not provide details on the specific charges each detainee faces, nor does it indicate how many will ultimately be prosecuted.
What remains unclear is the timeline for any court hearings and the potential penalties that may follow. The Justice Ministry has not disclosed whether the seized items – drugs, digital equipment, alcohol and a firearm – will lead to additional charges beyond the detentions themselves. Observers will be watching forthcoming court filings to assess whether the operation marks a broader shift in Turkey’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights.
As the legal process unfolds, the detained individuals and the organisations they are linked to will face scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The episode adds to a pattern of state‑led actions framed as protecting family values, raising questions about the balance between security narratives and minority rights in Turkey.
