Police in Turkey have detained 47 people in a series of raids on gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists, officials say.
Raids took place in 12 provinces over the weekend as part of a campaign dubbed “My Family is Safe” that the Turkish government says has been designed to protect family values.
One of the targets of the operation was LGBTQ+ association Kaos GL.
Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Turkey, with growing pressure on gay couples. Human rights groups in Turkey have accused the government of using the campaign to target the LGBTQ+ community.
Officers detained 26 people and seized drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol and a firearm during the raids, according to the Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office.
In a separate statement, the Ankara chief prosecutor’s office said another 21 people had been detained as part of an investigation into Kaos GL.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpve191wy47o