Operation Against Kaos GL Association Within the Scope of Obscenity Investigation
Management and supervisory board members of the Kaos GL Association, along with numerous activists, were detained on charges of obscenity and violating the Law on Associations.
Management and supervisory board members of the Kaos GL Association, alongside numerous activists, were detained in police raids conducted on their homes within the framework of an investigation carried out by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. During the operation, searches were conducted at the association's office, while access bans were imposed on the websites and social media accounts of numerous non-governmental organizations.
Detentions Targeting Management and Activists
Management and supervisory board members, as well as alternate members of the Kaos GL Association, were detained as a result of simultaneous police raids conducted on their homes.
Within the framework of this operation targeting the institution, which is Turkey's first official LGBTI+ association, more than ten activists were also detained following searches of their homes.
Grounds and Basis of the Investigation
The investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Bureau of Cybercrimes is based on accusations of obscenity and violating the Law on Associations.
It was announced that the investigation was initiated with the decision of the Ankara 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace dated September 11, 2026, and covers internet and social media posts.
Decision to Examine Digital Materials
In accordance with the court decision, permission was granted to examine the digital materials belonging to the suspects, while it was decided that these materials would be seized in the event that passwords could not be cracked or data could not be accessed.
Association officials, on the other hand, stated that they had not been fully informed about what the posts subject to the accusation concretely encompassed.
Simultaneous Raids on Venues in Istanbul
Simultaneously with the Ankara-centered investigation, operations were also carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Simultaneous police raids were organized by law enforcement forces on numerous different venues located in the Beyoğlu and Şişli districts.
Access Bans on Websites and Accounts
On September 12, access bans were imposed on the websites of many non-governmental organizations, including Kaos GL, Lambdaistanbul, Pembe Hayat, and SPoD.
Alongside the associations, access restrictions were also applied during the same period to the social media accounts of numerous activists and journalists.