Civil society is not a crime!

JEF Europe strongly condemns the wave of raids, detentions, searches and digital restrictions targeting LGBTI+ organisations, activists and rights defenders across Türkiye. We stand in full solidarity with all organisations and individuals affected.

On 12 and 13 September, Türkiye witnessed a deeply alarming escalation of pressure against its LGBTI+ movement. According to information compiled by Kaos GL, access to websites and social media accounts of numerous LGBTI+ organisations was blocked, affecting media outlets, student groups and activists. This was followed by coordinated police operations across several cities and provinces, including raids on homes, association offices and workplaces, the seizure of electronic devices and the detention of LGBTI+ activists and civil society representatives across the country.

These developments cannot be viewed in isolation. They take place against a broader background of mounting pressure on LGBTI+ people and civil society in Türkiye, accompanied by a hostile political rhetoric. From the side of the government it has been confirmed that judicial proceedings were initiated against 162 individuals, nine organisations and 13 establishments under an operation called “My Family is Safe”.

Fundamental rights do not become optional when they are politically inconvenient.

Freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, privacy, equality and protection from discrimination are fundamental democratic rights. They belong equally to LGBTI+ people and to the organisations defending their rights. The criminalisation or intimidation of civil society undermines democracy itself. Associations must be able to organise, communicate and advocate without fear of arbitrary interference. Journalists and activists must be able to document violations and speak publicly. LGBTI+ people must be able to live openly and safely without being portrayed as a threat to society.

For JEF Europe, this is also a European question. Türkiye is a member of the Council of Europe and a candidate country for membership of the European Union. Respect for human dignity, democracy, human rights, equality and the rule of law must therefore remain at the centre of Europe’s relationship with Türkiye.

We call on the Turkish authorities to respect the fundamental rights and procedural safeguards of all those affected by the operations; immediately release anyone detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights; end disproportionate restrictions on LGBTI+ organisations, media and digital platforms; guarantee the freedom of association and expression of civil society organisations; and ensure that LGBTI+ people and human rights defenders are protected from discrimination, intimidation and hate.

We furthermore call on the European Union, the Council of Europe and European governments to closely monitor the ongoing operations, publicly defend the space for independent civil society in Türkiye and raise these developments directly with the Turkish authorities. European institutions must make clear that attacks on civic space and fundamental rights cannot be separated from Türkiye’s wider relationship with Europe.

Europe cannot claim to defend democracy only when doing so is easy. European solidarity must extend to those defending freedom, equality and human dignity under pressure. We call everyone to raise awareness on the repressions, and contact their political leaders so they can convey the message to their Turkish counterparts. 

To Türkiye’s LGBTI+ organisations, and to every activist and human rights defender affected: You are not alone.