Press Release: Türkiye Must Drop All Charges Against LGBTQI+ Activists

Repro Uncensored and the International Planned Parenthood Federation condemn the coordinated raids, detentions and digital censorship targeting LGBTQI+ organizations, activists and community spaces.

For immediate release

Brussels / Istanbul, 15 September 2026 — Repro Uncensored and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) condemn the sweeping attacks on LGBTQI+ communities in Türkiye and call for the immediate release of those detained, the dismissal of all discriminatory charges, and the restoration of blocked websites and social media accounts.

Beginning on 12 September, Turkish authorities restricted access to the websites and social media accounts of numerous LGBTQI+ organizations, media platforms, student groups and human rights defenders. Coordinated police operations followed across multiple provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Aydın and Mersin.

They reportedly targeted 162 people, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces. Dozens of people have been detained, offices and homes searched, and phones, computers and other digital equipment seized.

Among those targeted was partner organization and IPPF Associate Member Association KAOS GL, whose offices were raided as part of the coordinated operations. KAOS GL had previously warned of escalating repression and censorship facing LGBTQI+ communities across Türkiye, including coercive investigations into its finances, despite regularly reporting its accounts to the relevant authorities and operating in accordance with national laws.

The crackdown has also involved widespread digital censorship. Websites and social media accounts connected to LGBTQI+ organizations, activists and independent media have been blocked or made inaccessible. Repro Uncensored is investigating the scale and impact of these restrictions, including how they have disrupted access to health information, legal support and essential community services.

This escalation follows the suppression of Pride events in June, when marches across Türkiye were banned or violently dispersed and at least 125 people were detained. During the same period, more than 120 LGBTQI+ and feminist social media accounts were suspended across major platforms. At the time, the organizations warned that digital censorship was reinforcing the repression of LGBTQI+ communities on the streets and accelerating the erosion of democratic space. The latest raids and detentions demonstrate how urgently those warnings should have been addressed.

These events demonstrate how digital censorship and physical repression increasingly reinforce one another. Restricting organizations online while raiding their offices, detaining their members and seizing their equipment is a direct attack on civil society, freedom of expression and democracy.

“Digital censorship is being used alongside raids and detentions to isolate LGBTQI+ communities, silence their voices and dismantle their ability to organize. This coordinated repression is a direct threat to democracy, freedom of expression and respect for fundamental human rights. LGBTQI+ visibility, solidarity and community care are not crimes. Türkiye must immediately release those detained, drop all discriminatory charges and restore access to the websites and social media accounts it has blocked.”- Martha Dimitratou, Founder & Executive Director, Repro Uncensored

“The actions taken against LGBTQI+ activists by the Turkish government over the weekend are deplorable. People are being attacked and detained simply for being who they are and for standing up for their rights. At IPPF, we fully recognise the tactic of using the language of ‘protecting children and family’ to supposedly justify attacks on LGBTQI+ people and their rights. We reject it. ”- Micah Grzywnowicz, European Network Regional Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

As an EU candidate country, Türkiye is required to uphold the Copenhagen criteria, including democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities. The coordinated targeting of LGBTQI+ organizations, activists and community spaces stands in direct contradiction to these fundamental requirements.

Repro Uncensored and IPPF call on Turkish authorities to immediately release those detained for lawful organizing, drop all discriminatory charges, end the intimidation of LGBTQI+ civil society, restore blocked digital platforms and return seized equipment.

“This repression will not silence us. We will continue to organise, defend our rights, and stand together against any attempts to criminalise the existence of, or activism by, the LGBTIQA+ community. We call on the international community, human rights organisations, and all those committed to equality and freedom, to stand in solidarity with us and support our struggle. As we always say at UniKuir, “Through resistance and solidarity.” - UniKuir NGO

They also urge the European Union, European Commission, the European Parliament, Member States, and the Council of Europe to address these violations clearly in its relations with Türkiye and make respect for fundamental rights central to any future progress in the accession process.

For more information or to speak to one of our spokespeople, contact:

Martha Dimitratou
Founder & Executive Director, Repro Uncensored
martha@reprouncensored.org

Nerida Williams
International Planned Parenthood Federation
newilliams@ippf.org

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About Repro Uncensored

Repro Uncensored is the leading global nonprofit documenting digital censorship, reinstating accounts and protecting freedom of expression. It has documented thousands of censorship cases across more than 50 countries and reinstated dozens of accounts with millions in reach.

Through research, legal action, policy reform and direct support, Repro Uncensored works to hold technology companies accountable and protect access to information.

About the International Planned Parenthood Federation

The International Planned Parenthood Federation is a global healthcare provider and advocacy organization working in over 140 countries to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. It delivers essential services and advocates for access to accurate information, equality and bodily autonomy worldwide.