Erdogan gov’t turns LGBTQ+ crackdown into national security and espionage case – Nordic Monitor

Erdogan gov’t turns LGBTQ+ crackdown into national security and espionage case  Nordic Monitor

Turkey’s expanding crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations has moved beyond arrests, raids and online restrictions to scrutiny of millions of dollars in foreign funding, with government-aligned media and officials portraying grants from foreign governments, diplomatic missions and international organizations as a potential national security threat. The operation, known as “My Family Is Safe,” has targeted LGBTQ+ rights groups, activists, businesses and venues across the country. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on September 13 that prosecutors in five cities were coordinating investigations covering 15 provinces, 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses. The allegations include obscenity, facilitating prostitution, drug offenses and exposing children to obscene content. The operation has been linked by the government to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “Decade of Family and Population,” formally established in May 2026 to address Turkey’s declining birth rate and promote what the government describes as the protection of the family.

Police raided LGBTQ+ organizations, homes and venues in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Aydın and Mersin from September 12 to 14. At least 112 people were arrested including activists, executives and journalist Tuğba Tekerek. The crackdown also led to court orders restricting websites and social media accounts. More than 180 accounts belonging to organizations, activists, journalists and media outlets were blocked or restricted. Human Rights Watch said courts issued orders between September 12 and 16 blocking dozens