Full Breakdown
Turkey’s “My Family Is Safe” Operation Targets LGBTQ+ Groups
By Drooid · · How we work
Operation Overview
On September 13, Turkish authorities carried out coordinated raids in 12 provinces, searching the offices of six LGBTQ+ associations and detaining individuals linked to those groups. The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office said the actions targeted 38 suspects; 26 were detained in the initial wave, while a separate Ankara statement added 21 more detainees and five individuals still sought. The operation, dubbed “My Family Is Safe,” was presented as a crackdown on alleged prostitution, obscenity, drug-related offenses and the purported influence of such material on minors.
Background & Context
The raids occur amid President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “Decade of Family and Population” initiative, which seeks to reverse Turkey’s declining birth rate. Over recent years, the government has increasingly linked LGBTQ+ visibility to “family values” and has pursued legal actions against the community, including the dissolution of the Genç LGBTI+ association in December 2025 and repeated bans on Pride events. The current operation extends earlier online censorship that blocked dozens of LGBTQ+ websites and social-media accounts.
Data & Statistics
- Detentions: Reported figures range from 26 people (Istanbul prosecutor) to at least 47 people (combined statements) and up to 162 individuals cited in broader judicial proceedings.
- Associations Affected: Six LGBTQ+ groups were searched; Kaos GL reported that more than 10 of its members were taken from homes.
- Seizures: Authorities confiscated drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol, and one firearm, including 25 g of narcotics, 10 g of cocaine, nine g of cannabis, 2,000 bottles of illicit alcohol, syringes, and mobile phones.
- Geographic Scope: Operations spanned 12 provinces, covering 54 locations such as private homes, ten commercial establishments and the six targeted associations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of detainees:
- The Istanbul prosecutor’s office cited 26 detentions.
- A later Ankara statement added 21 more detainees and five individuals still sought.
- Reuters reported “at least 47 people” detained.
- DW and Bianet referenced “at least 162 people” facing legal action across 15 provinces.
No independent verification of the exact count has been provided, and details about the legal status of many detainees remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This imposition of a moral agenda is a blatant violation of fundamental rights and Turkey's international commitments taking the country down a dark path,” — X. Nacho Sanchez Amor
- “As per the duty to protect families and children given to the state by the constitution, no criminal organization, abuse network or illegal activity which targets children, youths or families will be tolerated!” — Akin Gurlek, justice minister
What’s Next
Justice Minister Gürlek indicated that investigations will continue across the identified 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses, with further legal proceedings pending. No specific dates for court hearings or additional raids have been announced.