EU "concerned" over LGBTQIA+ nightlife raids in Turkey

The European Union has shared its concerns over raids on nightlife venues and homes in Turkey as part of an intensifying crackdown on LGBTQIA+ people in the country.

According to Reuters, at least 60 people were arrested on Sunday, September 13, in a string of police raids targeting LGBTQIA+ activist groups in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Mersin.

It comes following a major crackdown from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who had recently proposed the removal of anti-discrimination provisions for LGBTQIA+ people from Turkey's rights bill, commanding tougher punishments on "indecent acts" and a curtailment of LGBTQIA+ activism in the country.

Turkish police claimed to have seized "drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol and a gun" as part of their operation, DW reports, targeting "gay bars and nightclubs as well as a hammam that was said to be a place of prostitution". Several LGBTQIA+ organisations reported having their social media accounts blocked ahead of the raids.

Turkey's Justice Minister Akin Gurlek shared a statement via X claiming that the raids were carried out as part of an operation, dubbed 'Our Family Is Safe', investigating "162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses" in order to "protect children, the institution of the family, and public order."

"Under the leadership of our President, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are steadfastly continuing our fight against street gangs that threaten the peace of our nation, the security of our cities, and the future of our children," Gurlek's post reads.

In a statement provided to Le Monde on Monday (September 14), European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand shared the EU's "concerns" over the "recent arrests and legal proceedings initiated against LGBTIQ+ activists, human rights associations and businesses."

Wigand added that Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership, should "promote and ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation," adding that "stigmatisation and discrimination are contrary to the values of the Union."

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, get in touch with her here.