Turkish police carry out raids on gay bars, LGBTQ association offices and activists’ homes, detaining dozens to more than 160 people in a nationwide crackdown. Several outlets report the actions take place over the weekend and across multiple provinces, with authorities citing a government campaign to protect family and social order.

The government describes the operations as efforts to promote traditional family values and protect children under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “My Family is Safe” / “Decade of the Family” initiatives. Justice officials and prosecutors say proceedings are launched against suspects and some associations and businesses, with allegations cited in various reporting, including content related to obscenity. France 24 and other outlets note that at least 60 people are arrested, while Deutsche Welle and Metro report higher figures, including 162 arrests.

Human rights groups and opposition figures condemn the raids, saying they represent state-led discrimination and a pressure campaign against LGBTQ civil society. Reported responses include criticism from European Parliament officials and claims that police also block access to websites and social media linked to LGBTQ organizations. In related reporting, Turkish authorities detain protesters after demonstrations connected to the arrests.