Why Are LGBTQ+ Groups Demanding Action Over Türkiye’s Raids?
Four organisations demand urgent action over arrests of transgender women and LGBTQ+ campaigners in Türkiye amid serious human rights concerns.
International LGBTQ+ and human rights organisations are demanding urgent intervention following a series of arrests involving transgender women, sex workers and civil society campaigners in Türkiye.
Four organisations issued a joint statement on 4 November, condemning a crackdown that has involved raids, criminal investigations and allegations of degrading treatment in detention.
The statement was issued by TGEU, the European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance, the Global Network of Sex Work Projects and the Sex Workers’ Rights Advocacy Network.
Their concerns centre on an operation known as My Family Is Safe, which began on 12 September and has targeted individuals and organisations associated with LGBTQ+ communities.
On 23 October, 45 people, including 12 transgender women, were taken into custody. Three days later, 19 people, including 10 transgender women, were arrested in connection with prostitution-related allegations.
A further 22 people were detained on 3 November, accused of offences involving prostitution and organised criminal activity. Particular concern surrounds the use of social media posts as evidence in the investigations.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office cited content allegedly promoting gender neutrality and undermining public morality, with campaigners arguing that expressions of transgender identity are being treated as grounds for prosecution.
Lawyers assisting detainees have also reported serious concerns about custody conditions. These include allegations that some transgender women were denied access to toilets, alongside reports of overcrowded cells, inadequate food and difficulties accessing medical care and legal assistance.
The allegations have not been independently established through a completed investigation. Campaigners are also concerned about the impact on LGBTQ+ organisations providing legal advice, welfare assistance and community support.
The four organisations have called for the release of people they consider arbitrarily detained, independent scrutiny of detention conditions and greater accountability.
They are urging European governments, United Nations representatives and diplomatic officials to raise these concerns with Turkish authorities, particularly as international attention turns towards Türkiye ahead of the COP31 climate conference.
Their central demand is that transgender people and sex workers receive equal protection under the law, including access to legal representation, healthcare and humane treatment while in custody.
