NGOs call for EU support for LGBTI+ organizations in Turkey following detentions and website blocks

ILGA-Europe and three other international organizations are calling on the European Union to provide legal support and monitor judicial proceedings in Turkey following the searches and detentions targeting LGBTI+ associations and activists. In the joint appeal, the signatories warn that the detention of board members, the blocking of online access, and the seizure of equipment threaten these organizations’ ability to operate.

In briefThe Ministry of Justice announced proceedings against 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 enterprises. The figure does not represent a confirmed tally of detentions; NGOs report that approximately 50–60 LGBTI+ activists and defenders were detained.

According to the joint appeal, the detentions primarily targeted members of the leadership and oversight bodies of the associations. These structures are mandatory for organizations to function, which may affect their operations as a whole.

Online restrictions preceded the searches, while the seizure of equipment is raising concerns about the confidentiality of beneficiaries’ data. The signatories call for the information not to be used to identify or target other people.

External funding received by the associations is being reviewed as part of the investigations. NGOs are calling on the EU to monitor the proceedings, mobilize legal and emergency assistance, and maintain financial support for civil society partners.

The operations on the night of 12 to 13 September targeted homes, association offices, and venues. The Ministry of Justiceannounces investigations in 15 provinces involving 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 enterprises. The authorities cite the protection of children and the family and are investigating alleged acts of facilitating prostitution and distributing obscene content and exposing children to it.

The ministry’s announcement does not provide a total tally of the people detained. The four NGOs refer to approximately 50–60 human rights defenders and LGBTI+ activists who were detained. In Izmir, 16 people were placed in pretrial detention, while two others were placed under judicial control, according to information published by Kaos GL on 14 September.

The appeal signed by ILGA-Europe, ERA, Front Line Defenders, and TGEU describes an operation focused on members of the governing boards and oversight bodies of the associations. These structures are mandatory for them to function, the signatories state, meaning that the detention of members may affect the entire organization’s operations. The associations whose representatives were reportedly detained include Kaos GL and Pembe Hayat in Ankara, Muamma in Mersin, and SPoD and Pozitif Yaşam in Istanbul.

Digital restrictions preceded the searches. According to Kaos GL’s account, an Istanbul court ordered on 12 September that access to the websites and social media accounts of certain organizations and activists be blocked. The European Pride Organizers Association reports that some X accounts became inaccessible to users in Turkey. The blocking of communication channels thus adds to the interventions targeting the associations’ offices and leadership.

The seizure of equipment is also raising concerns about protecting people who sought help from these organizations. The signatories to the appeal point out that the associations hold confidential information about beneficiaries, people living with HIV, victims of violence and discrimination, lawyers, and donors. They call for the data seized during the searches to be protected and not used to identify or target other people. The statement warns of this risk without documenting any data disclosure.

External funding is another focus of the investigations. The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, announced reviews by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board, MASAK, concerning money received by some associations from public institutions and organizations abroad. The ministry specifies that the connection between the transfers and the activities under investigation is still being examined. Kaos GL reports, citing the ANKA news agency, that activists detained in Ankara were questioned about membership fees, donations, and grants received by the association from abroad or from local authorities.

NGOs contest the use of external funding to stigmatize civic activity. “International funding and cooperation are essential for an independent civil society and do not constitute evidence of criminal activity,” the four organizations state. They call for financial reviews not to criminalize legitimate international cooperation.

On 14 September, the ministry also announced instructions sent to 175 prosecutors’ offices in all 81 provinces. These call for the swift examination of reports concerning activities involving obscene or criminal content targeting children and young people, the preservation of digital evidence, and, when necessary, the removal of content or blocking of access. Financial investigations are also предусмотрed when there are indications of criminal proceeds.

The European Commission expressed concern about the detentions and proceedings initiated against activists, associations, and enterprises, according to a statement by spokesperson Christian Wigand reported by Kaos GL. He recalled that Turkey, as a candidate country for EU membership, must ensure respect for the rights and dignity of everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

The four NGOs are calling on the Turkish authorities to release people detained for legitimate human rights defense activities, ensure confidential access to lawyers, and provide individual legal grounds for detentions, searches, and the seizure of property. They call on the EU and European governments to monitor the proceedings, including through diplomats’ presence at hearings, and to activate available legal and emergency assistance. They call on European public funders to maintain support for civil society partners.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/news/ong-urile-cer-sprijinul-ue-pentru-organizatiile-lgbti-din-turcia-dupa-retineri-si-blocarea-site-urilor