Dozens of X accounts tied to human rights groups, journalists and LGBT activists were blocked in Turkey after an Istanbul court issued orders, Engelliweb reported. The blocks followed nationwide raids targeting LGBT organisations and venues. Authorities say investigations have been opened, including on alleged obscenity, but the court has not publicly released its reasoning. Human Rights Watch warned the actions reflect a push to restrict LGBT activity without new legislation.
Turkey Blocks Dozens Of X Accounts Linked To Rights Groups, Journalists And LGBT Activists After Nationwide Raids
FILE PHOTO - The rainbow flag flies in the wind in the courtyard of the Brandenburg State Parliament. (is associated with: «Turkey blocks X accounts of rights groups, activists after LGBT raids») Sven Kaeuler/dpa
Dozens of X accounts belonging to human rights organisations, journalists and LGBT activists were made inaccessible inside Turkey after orders from an Istanbul court, internet censorship monitor Engelliweb reported on Monday.
What Happened
Engelliweb said the court issued blocking orders affecting profiles that include the Turkish lawyers' association MLSA, the women's rights group Mor Dayanışma, Amnesty International Turkey and the opposition newspaper Evrensel. The blocks came in the wake of nationwide police raids over the weekend that targeted several LGBT organisations and venues, according to government statements.
Legal and Political Context
The Istanbul criminal court did not immediately make public the reasons for the blocking orders. Judicial authorities have said they opened investigations into a range of alleged offences, including obscenity. Human Rights Watch's Turkey representative, Emma Sinclair-Webb, said the arrests of LGBT rights advocates signal a government push to curtail LGBT activity without introducing new legislation.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has in the past described LGBT groups as "perverse movements" and announced measures against what he calls "gender-neutralization policies," citing concerns such as Turkey's declining birth rate.
It is important to note that homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey. Nevertheless, rights groups and observers warn that these measures and prosecutions are part of a broader pattern of pressure on civil society and dissenting voices.
Reactions
Activists expressed solidarity on social media after the raids and blocks. International rights organisations have urged transparency about the legal basis for the restrictions and called for protection of freedom of expression and association.
What To Watch: Whether the courts publish reasons for the blocks, how many additional accounts are affected, and whether international bodies or foreign governments respond to the raids and account restrictions.
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