ANKARA, TÜRKİYE (HRNW) — Amnesty International is calling for an immediate end to a nationwide crackdown targeting LGBTI organizations, activists and human-rights defenders in Türkiye.
In a September 22 statement, Amnesty said police had arrested at least 116 people across 15 provinces following raids on homes, venues and offices connected with LGBTI organizations.
The organization said at least 83 people had been placed in pretrial detention and that criminal investigations had been opened against more than 160 people.
Amnesty also reported allegations from LGBTI organizations concerning intrusive searches, insults, humiliation and isolation of human-rights defenders.
The organization said hundreds of social-media accounts belonging to LGBTI organizations, activists, journalists and media outlets had also been blocked or restricted.
Among the affected accounts was Amnesty International Türkiye’s account on X, according to the organization.
Amnesty said the authorities have described the operation as “Ailem Güvende,” or “My Family Is Safe,” and linked it to stated efforts to protect families, children and young people.
The organization argues that the measures are instead restricting freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Amnesty is calling for people detained solely because of legitimate human-rights work to be released and for LGBTI organizations to be allowed to operate without discrimination or intimidation.
The organization also urged international governments to raise concerns directly with Turkish authorities and support LGBTI organizations and defenders.
The crackdown has generated protests inside Türkiye and solidarity demonstrations in more than 50 cities internationally, according to Amnesty.
The organization said women and girls’ rights and broader civic freedoms should also be protected as authorities consider policies affecting public morality, families and civil society.
The issue remains under international scrutiny as human-rights groups monitor arrests, court proceedings and restrictions on civil society in Türkiye.
Support Appeal
HRNW appeals to readers, civil society organizations, governments and human-rights supporters to strengthen independent human-rights journalism and public awareness through the World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency.
Support HRNW – World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency
Disclaimer
This article is based on Amnesty International’s September 22, 2026 reporting concerning the situation of LGBTI organizations and activists in Türkiye. Details about arrests, allegations of mistreatment and legal proceedings are attributed to Amnesty International and the affected organizations and have not been independently verified by HRNW.
