Turkey Blocks LGBTQ+ Sites, Detains Dozens of Activists in Widening Crackdown
Turkish courts have ordered the blocking of digital platforms for rights groups while authorities detain members and seize devices since mid-September.
Key points
- Over 60 activists and members of LGBTQ+ and feminist organizations have been detained since mid-September.
- A dozen organizations had their websites and social media accounts blocked by court order.
- Authorities seized mobile phones and laptops during raids on homes and offices.
Turkish authorities have intensified their crackdown on LGBTQ+ and feminist organizations, detaining more than 60 individuals and blocking access to digital platforms for a dozen groups since mid-September. The Electronic Frontier Foundation states that these state-led actions constitute discriminatory attacks against rights defenders, student groups, and media platforms within the country.
Since the mid-September start of this campaign, courts have ordered the blocking of websites and social media accounts belonging to targeted organizations. According to the EFF, more than 60 members and activists have been detained, their homes and offices raided, and their digital devices seized. Judicial proceedings have been launched against those detained, creating a legal threat to the continued existence of these groups.
Context and Background
The crackdown appears linked to efforts to portray LGBTQ+ groups and HIV support networks as criminal organizations. The EFF notes that the government purportedly justifies these actions as necessary to protect family values. While homosexuality itself is not illegal in Turkey, activists have faced increased oppression in recent years, including criminal proceedings for alleged obscenity and violations of the Law on Associations.
An Istanbul court recently shut down the website and social media accounts of T24, Turkey’s longest-running independent digital news organization. The court alleged that T24 aired “LGBT propaganda” over the past year. This action targets a outlet that has covered government-backed campaigns against gay rights groups and earlier crackdowns, signaling a broader effort to silence reporting on LGBTQ+ oppression.
Who Is Affected
Kaos GL, identified by the EFF as Turkey’s oldest gay rights organization, confirmed that the Cyber Crimes Bureau of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is leading investigations. The bureau took members of Kaos GL’s Board of Directors into custody, raided their homes, and searched organizational offices. Electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, were seized during these operations.
Prosecutors in Istanbul have stated that those targeted are suspected of founding, leading, or being members of a criminal organization. According to Human Rights Watch, the charges also include allegations of sex work and drug-related offenses. These legal actions limit the ability of targeted groups to carry out legitimate human rights work and deter participation from supporters.
What should you do?
The EFF warns that these actions chill free speech rights not only for targeted groups but also for any organization reporting on LGBTQ+ oppression. The widespread nature of the digital blocks and physical raids suggests a coordinated effort to suppress dissent. Security professionals should monitor developments regarding the legal status of these organizations and the scope of the digital blocks.
What to do and how to stay safe: Turkey
- Monitor official court orders and government announcements for updates on blocked domains or seized assets.
- Review organizational policies on digital security and data backup for staff in high-risk regions.
- Verify the legal status of partner organizations before engaging in joint advocacy or reporting.
- Document any instances of content removal or account suspension for potential legal or advocacy use.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Has Turkey criminalized homosexuality?
No, homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, unlike in Uganda, Nigeria, and Egypt, according to the EFF.
What charges are prosecutors using against activists?
Prosecutors allege involvement in criminal organizations, sex work, and drug-related offenses, according to Human Rights Watch.
Which news organization was recently shut down?
T24, Turkey’s longest-running independent digital news organization, had its website and social media blocked by an Istanbul court.
