{"id":31237,"date":"2026-09-17T15:19:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T13:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euroalter.com\/?p=31237"},"modified":"2026-09-17T15:21:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T13:21:30","slug":"urgent-sign-on-letter-stop-the-criminalisation-of-the-lgbti-movement-in-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euroalter.com\/it\/urgent-sign-on-letter-stop-the-criminalisation-of-the-lgbti-movement-in-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"URGENT! Sign-on Letter: Stop the Criminalisation of the LGBTI+ Movement in Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

15 September 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express our grave concern about the unprecedented and coordinated crackdown on LGBTI+ civil society, human rights defenders and activists in Turkey since 12 September 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crackdown started with a court decision blocking access to websites and social media of numerous feminist and LGBTI+ groups, media, student organizations, rights defenders, and activists. On 13 September, police launched operations across several provinces targeting LGBTI+ organisations and human rights defenders. Judicial proceedings have been initiated against more than 160 individuals and 9 associations across 15 provinces. So far, more than 50 LGBTI+ rights defenders, association members, and activists have been detained. The exact number of detainees and the scope of investigations are still being verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of governing bodies of several associations have been targeted. Offices and homes were searched, and electronic equipment seized. These actions targeted longstanding LGBTI+ and HIV-related organizations, including Kaos GL, Muamma, Mersin 7 Renk, SPoD, HEV\u0130, Pozitif Ya\u015fam, Listag, Lambda and Pozitif-\u0130z.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are alarmed by signs that legitimate civil society activities are being falsely labeled as criminal, including accusations related to obscenity, prostitution, drugs, and morality. The prosecution is attempting to create a narrative that LGBTI+ civil society organisations and human rights defenders are part of a criminal organisation. Viewing advocacy, publications, or fundraising as organized crime represents a serious escalation of repression of civic space. We are also worried that lawful domestic and international funding of LGBTI+ groups is being seen as suspicious. Such funding is legal and necessary, already regulated by Turkish law, and should not be considered evidence of criminality. In Turkey, the receipt of funding by civil society organisations (associations and foundations) from abroad and from international organisations is subject to very strict oversight by the General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society, which reports to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blocking of digital platforms, raids, detentions, equipment seizures, targeting of associations , and scrutiny of lawful funding create a chilling effect on freedom of association, expression, and human rights. These actions are part of a broader anti-gender politics rooted in patriarchy, aiming to control bodies, identities, and relationships. The struggles for LGBTI+ and women\u2019s rights are interconnected, confronting the same patriarchal systems, and attacks on one strengthen attacks on all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This moment therefore requires more than the protection of fundamental rights. It requires an unequivocal rejection of using \u201cfamily\u201d, \u201cmorality\u201d and gender conformity as instruments to determine whose identities, relationships, speech and freedom of association are considered legitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We call on the authorities in Turkey to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n