Since the night of 12–13 September 2026, Turkish authorities have carried out a widespread security crackdown targeting LGBTQIA+ organizations, activists, and journalists under what has been called “Operation My Family Is Safe.” The operation extended across fifteen provinces and resulted in the detention of more than 160 people, including prominent members of the executive and supervisory boards of human rights associations, as well as journalists and LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders.
This was not the first such incident. In recent years—and particularly in recent months—restrictions and attacks by Turkish authorities against the LGBTQIA+ community have intensified. During Pride Month demonstrations in June 2026, more than 300 people were detained across several Turkish provinces. LGBTQIA+ refugees in Türkiye have also been subjected to forced deportation and torture. The Guardians of Equality Movement documented these violations, supported those affected, and launched a petition that collected more than 14,000 signatures.
Details of the Arrests
- Seven key members of the executive and supervisory boards of Kaos GL were detained, including independent journalist Tuğba Tekerek.
- Charges related to “obscenity” and the publication of content allegedly accessible to children were brought under Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code.
- The websites and social-media accounts of LGBTQIA+ organizations were blocked, while courts ordered investigations into their foreign funding sources.
- Dozens of human rights defenders were placed in pretrial detention, while others were prohibited from leaving the country.
Legal and Social Context
- Since 2015, Pride marches have been banned annually in Türkiye amid escalating restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
- In 2025, the government declared the “Year of the Family,” marking a turning point in the tightening of restrictions against human rights organizations and civil-society initiatives.
- The timing of the current crackdown ahead of elections reflects a broader global pattern of using the LGBTQIA+ community as a political scapegoat.
Impact on Beneficiaries, Refugees, and Activists
- We are receiving messages from concerned community members, many of whom are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being targeted.
- Türkiye is a major transit country for refugees, including LGBTQIA+ people seeking safety. The targeted organizations had been providing them with legal and health support, as well as access to protection pathways.
- We are receiving urgent appeals from refugee activists facing increasing restrictions, including members of the Guardians of Equality Movement team in Türkiye.
Our Team in Türkiye
The Guardians of Equality Movement was formally established by Syrian refugees in Gaziantep, Türkiye, after they were forcibly displaced from Syria. Since then, a significant part of our work has remained focused on Türkiye, particularly supporting refugees and host communities. Our team members have not been detained, but they remain on high alert and are exercising great caution, like thousands of activists and LGBTQIA+ people across Türkiye.
International Reactions
- Organizations including ILGA-Europe, TGEU, and Front Line Defenders called for the release of those detained, access to lawyers, and protection of their confiscated data.
- The European Commission expressed concern about the arrests and website restrictions, confirming that it is closely monitoring developments.
- Canadian and international organizations, including Dignity Network Canada and Rainbow Railroad, expressed solidarity and called for emergency funding to support those affected.
The Position of the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM)
The Guardians of Equality Movement condemns this security crackdown as a flagrant violation of human rights, particularly the freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.
GEM affirms that defending human rights is not a crime and that cross-border solidarity is a humanitarian and moral duty. We are mobilizing all available resources to provide support and assistance.
The Guardians of Equality Movement calls for:
- The immediate release of all detainees and guarantees for their safety.
- An end to website blocking and smear campaigns.
- Protection of the rights to freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.
- Urgent international support for affected organizations and beneficiaries, especially refugees.
- Full support for our community in Türkiye.
