Report

Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists

BBC News2 months agoFactual

Turkish police detained 47 people in raids across 12 provinces targeting gay bars and LGBTQ+ activists' homes under a government campaign called "My Family is Safe," which officials say protects family values. The operation included a raid on LGBTQ+ association Kaos GL, which claims 50 activists were detained, and human rights groups accuse the government of using the campaign to target the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex relations are legal in Turkey, but homophobia is widespread and same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Reuters Riot police, with a rainbow flag in the background, chase LGBT activists as they try to gather for a pride parade, which was banned by the governorship in Istanbul. Officers are wearing black uniforms, wearing gas masks, and are carrying helmets and riot shields as they move through what appears to be a residential street.

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