AssetID: 56019104
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Turkish Authorities Launch Crackdown On LGBTQ+ And HIV Support Groups
Caption: Turkish Authorities Launch Crackdown On LGBTQ+ And HIV Support Groups. Turkish authorities have launched coordinated raids targeting LGBTQ+ rights and HIV support groups, detaining dozens of people across several major cities. Police operations began early Sunday in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin, targeting association offices, businesses and popular gathering places. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said authorities were investigating 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses. Gurlek said the investigation aimed to protect children, families and public order, in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's policies on families and children. The raids targeted current and former members of prominent LGBTQ+ and HIV awareness organisations, while several groups' websites were blocked. The Human Rights Association condemned the crackdown as a political operation aimed at targeting LGBTQ+ people and independent civil society. Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party has increasingly opposed LGBTQ+ groups, while Istanbul Pride has been banned since 2015. Homosexuality is legal in Turkey, but LGBTQ+ people continue to face significant social discrimination and restrictions on public events. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Turkey,LGBTQ+,HIV support groups,Recep Tayyip Erdogan,Akin Gurlek,Istanbul,Ankara,Human Rights Association,LGBTQ rights,police raids
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