On September 12, orders were issued blocking access to the websites and social media accounts of numerous LGBTI+ organisations, media outlets, student groups, rights defenders and activists.
Under a September 12, 2026 ruling by the Istanbul 7th Criminal Judgeship of Peace, access to the websites of the 17th of May Association, the UniKuir News Website, the Pembe Hayat Association, SPoD, the Young LGBTI+ Association, Lambdaistanbul, Muamma LGBTI+ and Velvele was blocked. Under the same ruling, orders were also issued blocking access to a large number of X/Twitter and Instagram accounts. X made some accounts unavailable to users in Turkey.
From 1 AM on September 13, a series of operations began in 15 provinces, primarily Ankara, Mersin, Kusadasi, Istanbul and Izmir, targeting LGBTI+ associations, activists, independent rights defenders and some workplaces.
Media reports citing the Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said judicial proceedings were initiated against 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 establishments across 15 provinces as part of the “My Family is Safe” operations, conducted under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutors’ Offices in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin. (KAOS GL)
Selin Berghan, member of the supervisory board of Kaos GL, was arrested as a part of the “My Family is Safe” operation.
17.09.2026
I’m experiencing this operation as a part of the struggle for sexual freedom. This isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time that I have to pay a price for this struggle, I’m aware. I’m wearing it as a badge of honor, like the others. I’m sending all of my laughter to the friends I lead this struggle with. They can’t steal our joy!
More information on https://kaosgl1.org/en/