Numerous individuals detained in operations carried out across 12 provinces
At least 26 people were detained in operations organized within the scope of an Istanbul-focused investigation spanning 12 provinces.
At least 26 people, including LGBTI+ associations and activists, were detained in the 12-province "Family is Safe" operation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Details of the Operation
An investigation was launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on charges of "Establishing an Organization to Commit Crimes, Prostitution, Obscenity, and Possessing or Purchasing Drugs for Use."
The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that searches were conducted at the addresses of a total of 38 suspects, as well as 10 businesses and 6 LGBTI+ associations, in the Istanbul-focused operation covering 12 provinces.
Distribution by Provinces
It was announced that the operation was carried out simultaneously in Istanbul, Ankara, Ordu, Izmir, Elazig, Canakkale, Balikesir, Aydin, Kirsehir, Igdir, Antalya, and Hatay.
It was noted that the investigation was shaped as a result of technical and physical follow-ups, witness statements, and denunciations by units of the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command and the Istanbul Security Directorate.
Reasons for the Investigation
In the statement by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was claimed that evidence was obtained indicating children and underage youths were directed toward issues of sexual orientation regardless of their age and developmental levels.
It was stated that an investigation was launched against the Kaos GL Association on September 11, and its website and social media content served as the basis for obscenity charges.
Judicial Process and Statements
It was reported that the judicial process was initiated by the decision of the Ankara 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace, and on September 12, the websites and social media accounts of the relevant associations and activists were blocked from access.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek defended that the operations were carried out for the protection of families and children, claiming that MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) examinations revealed foreign funding transfers to certain associations.