Allegations of homosexual prostitution and obscenity made against LGBTQI+ groups in Muslim-majority Turkey saw 26 people detained since Friday with offices of six allied associations also targeted in a series of police raids.
Reuters reports the protection of family values is behind the crackdown.
According to the outlet, the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office said “operations were carried out across 12 provinces against 38 suspects […] with authorities seizing drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol and a firearm.”
Ankara-based gay association Kaos GL alleged some 50 activists had been detained – a higher figure than given by the chief prosecutor’s office – including more than 10 who were taken in police raids on their homes, Reuters added.
In addition, it said authorities blocked access to dozens of websites and social media accounts linked to LGBTI+ organisations, activists and rights advocates which have also been previously challenged by government authorities in the past.
Hellbound and Down 