Turkey Detains Dozens More in Istanbul After 60 Arrests in LGBTQ+ Crackdown
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 15
Turkey Detains Dozens More in Istanbul After 60 Arrests in LGBTQ+ Crackdown
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 15
Summary
Dozens of protesters were detained Tuesday outside an Istanbul courthouse as they demanded the release of people seized in weekend raids targeting LGBTQ+ activists and gathering places.
At least 60 people were arrested Sunday, Amnesty International said, while authorities also blocked or restricted LGBTQ+ groups' websites and social media pages.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the campaign was meant to protect children and family values, but Human Rights Watch called it state repression aimed at discrimination and stigma.
The widening arrests deepen a yearslong anti-LGBTQ+ turn under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government has banned Pride marches and recently refused an LGBTQ+-friendly cruise permission to dock.