Turkish court jails 16 in Izmir after raids on LGBTQ+ groups
Turkish court orders detention of scores amidst campaign include sweeping raids on the LGBTQ+
A Turkish court has jailed 16 individuals in Izmir following raids on LGBTQ+ groups, as part of a government crackdown that includes widespread arrests across the country. The "My Family is Safe" operation, coordinated by prosecutors in several provinces, resulted in the detention of 18 suspects, with 16 ordered to be held in jail and the remaining two under judicial supervision.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek defended the operation, stating that it aims to protect children and uphold family values, while rights groups accuse the government of targeting the LGBTQ+ community through repression and legal measures. The arrests come amid President Erdogan's "Decade of Family and Population" initiative, which seeks to address declining birth rates and an aging population.
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