Key points
- Over 60 activists detained since mid-September as part of state-led operations.
- Websites of a dozen organisations blocked by court order.
- Independent news outlet T24 shut down for covering rights issues.
The short version
- Turkish authorities have detained more than 60 members of LGBTQ+ and feminist groups.
- Courts have ordered blocks on the websites and social media of a dozen organisations.
- The Cyber Crimes Bureau leads investigations, seizing digital devices from offices and homes.
The details
The Electronic Frontier Foundation reports that Turkey has intensified state-led attacks against feminist and LGBTQ+ organisations, media platforms, and rights defenders. Since mid-September, court orders have blocked access to the websites and social media accounts of a dozen organisations. More than 60 members and activists have been detained, with their offices and homes raided. Authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, and other digital devices during these operations, launching judicial proceedings against the individuals involved.
These actions threaten the continued existence of the targeted groups. The EFF states that the crackdown limits the ability of these organisations to carry out legitimate human rights work. It also deters participation and support, while chilling free speech rights for any organisation that reports on LGBTQ+ oppression. The scope of the suppression extends beyond specific rights groups to include media entities covering the issue.
An Istanbul court shut down the website and social media accounts of T24, Turkey’s longest-running independent digital news organisation, just over a week prior to the EFF report. The court alleged that T24 had aired “LGBT propaganda” over the past year. T24 had previously covered government-backed campaigns against gay rights groups and earlier crackdowns on such organisations. This shutdown illustrates the broader effort to suppress reporting on these issues.
The context
The government’s actions are part of an effort to portray LGBTQ+ groups and support networks for people living with HIV as criminal organisations. Authorities purportedly justify these measures to protect family values. Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, unlike in Uganda, Nigeria, and Egypt, where it is criminalised. However, LGBTQ+ organisations and activists have faced increased government oppression in recent years.
Prosecutors in Istanbul stated that those targeted were suspected of founding, leading, or being a member of a criminal organisation. According to Human Rights Watch, prosecutors also alleged involvement in sex work and drug-related offences. The government is specifically targeting websites and social media channels for alleged obscene posts accessible to children. Kaos GL, Turkey’s oldest gay rights organisation, confirmed that the Cyber Crimes Bureau of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is leading these investigations.
Defender's checklist
- Monitor local court orders for website blocking directives.
- Track device seizure trends in activist and journalistic circles.
- Review legal definitions of criminal organisation membership.
- Assess risks for organisations reporting on sensitive social issues.
What to do and how to stay safe: Turkey
- Ensure all digital devices are encrypted to protect data if seized by authorities.
- Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication for all organisational accounts.
- Maintain offline backups of critical documents and communication records.
- Monitor official channels for updates on legal restrictions or website blocks.
Step-by-step guide: What is online tracking: how data follows you and how to stop it
General security guidance from the Cipher Insider newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Is homosexuality illegal in Turkey?
No, homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, although LGBTQ+ organisations face increased government oppression and legal proceedings.
Which news outlet was shut down by an Istanbul court?
T24, Turkey’s longest-running independent digital news organisation, had its website and social media accounts shut down.
What bureau is leading the investigations into these groups?
The Cyber Crimes Bureau of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigations.
