Turkey Arrests Dozens at LGBTQ+ Events Including Deutsche Welle Reporter

Turkish police conducted mass arrests at gatherings connected to LGBTQ+ events, detaining dozens of participants and observers, including a journalist working for Deutsche Welle. The crackdown is part of Turkey's ongoing suppression of LGBTQ+ visibility, with Istanbul Pride marches having been banned since 2015.

Journalist Detained

The Deutsche Welle reporter was covering the events as part of their journalistic work and was detained along with other individuals. Press freedom organizations condemned the arrest and called for the journalist's immediate release, noting that reporting on public events should be protected under press freedom principles.

Ongoing LGBTQ+ Suppression

Turkey has increasingly restricted LGBTQ+ rights and public expression over the past decade. The government has blocked Pride events, detained organizers, and prosecuted individuals for LGBTQ+-related speech and activities. International human rights organizations and EU institutions have repeatedly criticized Turkey's record on LGBTQ+ rights as part of broader concerns about democratic backsliding.