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Erdogan Defends Crackdown as Turkey Detains 150+ LGBTQ+ Activists

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 6:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Erdogan denounces gender-neutralism

Erdogan denounced global gender-neutral policies and defended traditional families at the UN General Assembly.
He made the remarks a week after Turkey launched “My Family Is Safe” raids targeting LGBTQ+ groups in five cities.
Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said investigations involve 162 people, nine associations and 13 businesses.
Erdogan called Gaza “the world’s largest graveyard for children” and urged pressure on Israel and UN Security Council reform.

Summary

Turkish authorities crackdown

Authorities blocked more than 400 social media accounts, including Amnesty International’s, during the crackdown.
The operation invoked obscenity laws to arrest LGBT activists and venue owners.
A 69-year-old LGBT activist was detained in the “My Family is Safe” raids.
A journalist covering the crackdown was taken into custody, raising press-freedom concerns.
Over 150 detainees, including protesters, face charges such as public indecency at LGBT nightclubs.

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Erdogan denounces gender-neutralism

Erdogan denounced global gender-neutral policies and defended traditional families at the UN General Assembly.
He made the remarks a week after Turkey launched “My Family Is Safe” raids targeting LGBTQ+ groups in five cities.
Justice Minister Akin Gürlek said investigations involve 162 people, nine associations and 13 businesses.
Erdogan called Gaza “the world’s largest graveyard for children” and urged pressure on Israel and UN Security Council reform.

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