Turkey Detains 116 in LGBT Crackdown as 180 Accounts Are Blocked
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
Turkey Detains 116 in LGBT Crackdown as 180 Accounts Are Blocked
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
Summary
Turkish authorities have detained about 116 people across 15 provinces since Sunday, escalating a nationwide crackdown that also disrupted a planned LGBT rights protest in Ankara.
175 chief prosecutors' offices in all 81 provinces were ordered to pursue content and behavior deemed against public morality, with Justice Minister Akın Gürlek framing the campaign as protecting families, children and youth.
Amnesty International said more than 160 people are under investigation and 180 social media accounts tied to LGBT groups, activists, journalists and media outlets have been blocked or restricted.
Police also used pepper spray against protesters in İzmir and detained more than 95 people outside an Istanbul courthouse, signaling the campaign is widening as demonstrations spread.
The European Commission said it is concerned by the arrests, legal proceedings and account blockages, adding that EU candidate Turkey should uphold the rights and dignity of all people.