We are publishing the translation of a statement from Kaos GL-one of Turkey's leading LGBTI+ organizations-issued amidst the ongoing crackdown on LGBTI+ organizations, activists, and rights defenders in the country. --- On the night of September 12-13, police raided the homes of LGBTI+ and HIV activists, as well as the offices of LGBTI+ and HIV prevention organizations across Turkey, detaining at least 30 people. That number continues to rise. Among those detained are board members and auditors from officially registered associations, including Kaos GL, Muamma, 7 Renk, SPoD, HEVI, Lambda, LISTAG, Pozitif Yasam, and Pozitif-iz.
Kaos GL has long been directly targeted by repressive and censorial measures, and its website is currently blocked in Turkey.
On September 16, 2026, Kaos GL issued a statement regarding the status of those arrested during the recent operation against LGBTI+ associations and activists.
The detained individuals have been transferred to various prisons in Sincan.
Here is the translated statement:
Kaos GL: "We fear for the safety of those detained. They must be released immediately."
September 16, 2026
We call for the immediate release of our friends, who have been unjustly and illegally detained following false accusations and an intense smear campaign.
We want the public to know that what is taking place is not a judicial proceeding, but an overt political operation targeting fundamental rights and freedoms. This process must be recognized for what it is: an attempt at intimidation.
As a result of this political operation, our friends have been transferred to various prisons in Sincan. We are deeply concerned that they may be subjected to mistreatment behind closed doors and under prison detention conditions, and we fear for their safety.
To ensure their safety and prevent potential rights violations, it is crucial that our friends detained in the same prison are not placed in solitary confinement and remain together at all times.
We wish to clearly remind the relevant authorities and the public that the responsibility for ensuring the safety and the physical and psychological integrity of all our friends currently in prison lies entirely with the prison administrations, the Ministry of Justice, and all relevant state institutions.
In the coming days, we will release a further comprehensive statement detailing this illegal political operation and the entire proceeding.
Pressure, political plots, false statements, and baseless accusations will not break our determination.
As Kaos GL, we will continue our fight for rights, equality, and freedom with even greater determination.
Our friends are not alone!
https://umanitanova.org/attacco-omofobo-in-turchia/
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Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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