EU criticises police operations against LGBTIQ+ community in Turkey

“ A European Union (EU) is following with concern the recent arrests and prosecutions initiated against LGBTIQ+ people, activists, human rights defenders and peaceful organisations, companies and protesters,” said EEAS spokesman Christian Wigand in a statement.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gürlek announced on Sunday that lawsuits had been initiated against 162 people, nine associations and 13 companies in 15 provinces of the country, under a large-scale operation named “My family is safe”.

Gürlek stated that the operation is aimed at “people who facilitate prostitution” and suspected of “producing and disseminating obscene content to which children can have access”, and not the LGBTIQ+ community (Lesbians, ‘Gays’, Bisexuals, Transgender, Intersexuals, ‘Queer’ and others).

According to the EU diplomatic arm, “the Turkish authorities must ensure respect for procedural guarantees, the release of anyone arbitrarily detained, the filing of unfounded accusations and the end of intimidation of civil society”.

“ We have noted the release, as reported, of many of the people arrested,” he said.

The spokesman also condemned the blocking of web sites and social media accounts, as well as the accusations of alleged foreign funding by several of these organisations.

According to Ankara, the police operation investigates alleged financial movements of “LGBT associations that promote amorality”, and its funding has been detected through large amounts from foreign bodies.

“ Support from international partners to civil society is a well-established practice. Point out international donors acting transparently and responsibly can threaten freedom of association, pluralism and civic space,” Wigand added.

The EEAS spokesperson therefore urged Turkey to respect “the fundamental values” which it must respect as a candidate country for EU membership and a long-standing member of the Council of Europe.