At least 150 detained in Istanbul during pro‑LGBT protest
Police prevented a press conference at Çağlayan Courthouse and detained at least 150 people; justice ministry opened investigations across 15 provinces.
At least 150 people were detained by police in Istanbul during a gathering intended to show support for the LGBT community, authorities said.
The assembly took place in front of the Çağlayan Courthouse, where demonstrators had planned to hold a press conference to protest the earlier arrests of LGBT people. Police prevented the meeting and moved in, detaining at least 150 participants.
Authorities open wide-ranging probes
Turkey's Minister of Justice Akin Gjurlek announced that investigations have been opened against 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 companies across 15 provinces. According to the ministry, the probes concern alleged mediation in prostitution, distribution of indecent material, exposing children to such material and other criminal offences.
Turkish authorities described the operation as part of a policy to protect children, families and public order. Human rights groups and some opposition figures, however, say the criminal investigations are being used as a wider crackdown on the LGBT community and civil society.
In Izmir, a court on Monday ordered pretrial detention for 16 of the 18 people who had been arrested earlier in relation to the same operation, a development that has drawn criticism from human rights activists who warn of mounting pressure on LGBT people in Turkey.
Local media footage and a social media post from Börte Medya on September 15, 2026 quoted eyewitnesses saying: "Police intervened at the press statement planned in front of Çağlayan Courthouse against the operation targeting LGBTİ+ people. The press were moved back, and those under the cordon are being detained. A second cordon was set up with buses to prevent filming of the scenes." — Börte Medya (@MedyaBorte), September 15, 2026.
Photo: press material from the event
