Turkish Medical Association Public Health Branch Reacts to Operation
The Turkish Medical Association criticized the targeting of HIV and LGBTI+ rights defender organizations during the "Family is Safe" operations.
The Public Health Branch of the Turkish Medical Association strongly reacted to the targeting and restriction of activities of civil society organizations defending the rights of people living with HIV and LGBTI+ organizations within the framework of the "Family is Safe" operations.
Investigation and Operations
The Public Health Branch of the Turkish Medical Association released a comprehensive written statement regarding the investigations and operations conducted under the name "Family is Safe." The statement emphasized that these processes targeted civil society organizations and human rights defenders.
Right to Health and Scientific Information
The statement expressed that restricting access to scientific information, the right to health, and legal civil society activities under the pretext of protecting the family is indefensible in terms of public health. The institution stated that such restrictions will harm public health.
Impact on Professional Organizations
It was reported that the process deepened with access bans imposed on social media accounts and the arrest of some executives. It was noted that the pressures extended to scientific organizations such as the Sexual Education Treatment and Research Association and the Psychiatric Association of Turkey.