Turkey arrests at least 63 people in raids on gay groups

Turkish police detained at least 63 people in September 2026 raids on gay bars, activists' homes and support groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Mersin. Government lawyers called it planned country-wide. Kaos GL says its offices were searched. The size bears watching for pressure on people to meet and organize, like clubs.