ISTANBUL — September 13, 2026. Turkish authorities detained at least 47 people during coordinated raids involving LGBTQ+ organizations, HIV-support groups and affiliated businesses, according to government and advocacy accounts.
Prosecutors say the wider investigations concern alleged prostitution, obscenity, drugs, smuggled alcohol and firearms. Authorities reported operations in multiple provinces and said numerous suspects, associations and businesses were being examined.
Activists dispute the government’s framing. They say broad criminal accusations are being used to suppress organizations serving LGBTQ+ people and to support President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s family and population campaign. Authorities have also restricted websites and social-media accounts associated with some organizations.
A public-health concern
The raids are not solely a freedom-of-expression issue. Organizations working with people affected by HIV often provide testing information, referrals and support to populations that may already fear discrimination. Disrupting those organizations can discourage people from seeking treatment or accurate medical information.
European and international human-rights organizations have criticized Turkey’s policies toward LGBTQ+ communities. The Turkish government maintains that it is enforcing criminal law and protecting families rather than targeting people solely because of their identity.
What is confirmed
The raids, detentions and account restrictions are documented. The criminal allegations have not been proven in court. Reporting should distinguish between an arrest, a prosecutor’s accusation and a conviction.
Source: Reuters, September 13, 2026.