Turkey arrests dozens in sweeping crackdown on LGBTQ activists

Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of people since Sunday in a broad crackdown on LGBTQ activists and organisations, according to The New York Times. Security forces raided homes, gay bars and rights groups’ offices in Istanbul, Ankara and other cities, detaining more than 60 people, with further arrests following protests on Monday.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the operation, dubbed “My Family is Safe,” targeted 162 people, nine associations and 13 businesses over alleged prostitution and obscene content. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, accused the government of criminalising LGBTQ identity. Critics say President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration is also targeting the community for its political opposition.