At least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters detained in Istanbul crackdown

Loading the video No Comment Video. At least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters detained in Istanbul crackdown Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 15/09/2026 - 18:05 GMT+2 Turkish police detained at least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters in Istanbul on Tuesday, 15 September, during a demonstration against a nationwide crackdown on the LGBTQ community. Protesters gathered outside the Çağlayan courthouse, chanting for the release of people detained in recent raids. Police surrounded the group and warned that the demonstration was unauthorised before moving in and taking protesters away in police buses. Two journalists were among those detained. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The protest followed operations carried out across Turkey on 12 and 13 September under the name “My Family Is Safe”. Feminist activist Feride Eralp said 162 people had been taken into custody nationwide, with more than 20 arrested and more than 30 detained in Istanbul. She also said six LGBTQ associations in the city had been raided. The operations have been linked by the government to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “Decade of the Family and Population” initiative. Same-sex relations are not illegal in Turkey, but LGBTQ people have faced increasing pressure from the authorities in recent years. The European Union expressed concern over the arrests on Monday and urged Ankara to respect human rights. Turkiye (Turkey) LGBTQ+ Protests Arrest Recep Tayyip Erdogan Human Rights Top stories Now playing Next At least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters detained in Istanbul crackdown Now playing Next Romanian farmers clash with police in Bucharest over EU livestock ban Now playing Next Robot valet parking at Gatwick Airport promises safer, easier long‑stay car storage Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | September 15th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Seb Coe: 'We stand firm against Russian athletes taking part' Now playing Next How counterfeit pesticides are poisoning Europe's farmland Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | September 15th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next Germany to deploy troops to Lithuania after volunteer shortfall Now playing Next EU halves cheap parcel influx in bid to rein in Chinese e-commerce Now playing Next Butter late than never: Paris gets its first boutique entirely dedicated to butter Now playing Next EU finally taking heed of Baltic warnings over Russia, Latvian PM says Now playing Next Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce, AI slowdown rattles markets Now playing Next Von der Leyen will deliver an 'inspirational message' in annual speech, EU vice-president says Now playing Next Watch: Aftermath of NATO jets' downing of drone in Lithuania Now playing Next Inside an Uzbek wedding: traditions, family and the start of married life Now playing Next Prominent Greek neo-Nazi exits prison and says he will return to politics ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment At least two killed and tents destroyed in Israeli strikes on Gaza camps No Comment University students launch ‘student list’ to shake up Serbia’s elections No Comment Pope Leo XIV unveils giant wave for new water exhibition at Vatican Library No Comment Devotees flock to Mumbai and Hyderabad as Ganesh Chaturthi begins Europe News Romanian President warns Ukraine war could last at least another year Europe Today EU has 'the power' to lead on 'global treaty on AI', says MEP Brando Benifei Gaza UN urges full access for investigators as Gaza death toll mounts The Cube No, the EU isn't demanding that Ukraine mobilise women against Russia's invasion Culture news Emmy record for Matthew Rhys as Welshman's Widow's Bay collected three awards Europe in Motion Most Europeans say a second language is useful. Not everyone can actually speak one Travel News Beyond the Silk Road: Visitors stay longer, spend more and venture further across Uzbekistan Europe News NATO 'committed and ready' after shooting down drone over Lithuania ADVERTISEMENT World News US military says it is facing a shortfall in ammunition as a result of Iran war Europe News Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s Europe Today Europe Today: Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce as AI slowdown rattles markets Europe News The State of the Union lottery: What will Ursula von der Leyen say? Europe News France seeks Usmanov delisting in bid to secure release of French nationals detained in Azerbaijan Earth News Italy and wolves: living with a growing population amid myths and alarmism Iran Iran seizes assets of 240 dissidents and journalists as protest arrests top 6,000 Europe News Parliament pushes tougher energy permit deadlines, setting up clash with EU countries ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT