Turkish Medical Association Responds to 'Family is Safe' Operations
The Public Health Branch of the Turkish Medical Association criticized the targeting of professional organizations and NGOs within the scope of the 'Family Safe' operations.
The Public Health Branch of the Turkish Medical Association reacted to the targeting of LGBTI+ organizations and civil society organizations working in the field of HIV, the arrest of their executives, and the blocking of access to their communication channels within the scope of investigations carried out under the name "Family Safe".
Organizations Targeted by Operations
In a statement published by the Public Health Branch of the Turkish Medical Association, attention was drawn to the scope of the operations carried out under the name "Family Safe". It was stated that the process encompassed not only LGBTI+ individuals but also civil society organizations supporting access to healthcare services for people living with HIV.
Arrests and Access Blocks
As a result of the ongoing investigations, it was reported that some civil society organization executives were arrested and access blocks were imposed on the social media accounts and communication channels of the relevant institutions. It was noted that these practices have reached concerning dimensions.
The Process Extending to Professional Organizations
It was observed that the struggle and pressures extended to the communication channels of scientific and professional organizations such as the Sexual Education Treatment and Research Association and the Psychiatric Association of Turkey. This situation revealed that the issue is not limited solely to the rights of specific groups.
Importance of HIV Work and Contradictions
It was emphasized that stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV negatively affect prevention, testing, early diagnosis, and treatment processes. The critical role undertaken by civil society organizations in the field of HIV regarding access to scientific knowledge and free counseling was underlined.
It was stated that these developments clearly contradict the targets of the Ministry of Health's Turkey HIV/AIDS Control Program 2025-2030.
Demands and Public Health Emphasis
The Turkish Medical Association questioned how restricting access to scientific knowledge and the right to health on the grounds of "protecting the family" can be defended in terms of public health. The statement demanded that all pressures come to an end and that arrested human rights defenders be released immediately.