HRF joins 450 organizations in calling on Turkish officials to immediately end the escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations and release all detained activists.

Since Sept. 13, Turkish police have detained more than 50 LGBTQ+ rights defenders, association members, and activists across 15 provinces during raids on LGBTQ+ organizations. Social media accounts belonging to LGBTQ+ organizations and activists have also been blocked or restricted.

HRF strongly condemns this crackdown and calls on its international and regional partners to stand firmly with the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey. Turkish officials must respect and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and association.