Turkey ordered the blocking of independent news site T24 and its social accounts after the justice ministry accused the outlet of spreading "LGBT propaganda." The move follows a broader crackdown that included raids on LGBTQ venues and warrants for 162 people. Journalists' associations and opposition figures called the shutdown a serious assault on press freedom, while officials said it was part of the "My Family Is Safe" operation tied to Erdogan's "Decade of the Family." Several journalists, including Tugba Tekerek, remain detained.
Turkey Orders Shutdown of Independent News Site T24, Citing Alleged "LGBTQ Propaganda"
Police and protesters have already clashed this month over the government's crackdown on the LGBTQ community (Murat Kocabas)
Turkey on Wednesday ordered the website and social media accounts of independent digital news outlet T24 to be blocked, the justice ministry said, accusing the outlet of publishing "LGBT propaganda." The closure follows a wider security operation targeting the LGBTQ community that included raids on venues and homes.
What Happened
An Istanbul criminal court issued the blocking order dated September 29, according to EngelliWeb, a group that monitors internet censorship in Turkey. The justice ministry said T24 had produced 118 items of content over the past year that it classified as "LGBT propaganda." T24 confirmed the site was blocked in Turkey after receiving formal notification on Wednesday afternoon.
Government Justification
The justice ministry framed the move as part of the "My Family Is Safe" investigation. In court papers and ministry statements, authorities said some published content was "aimed at weakening the Turkish family structure," a claim reported by DW Turkce.
Reactions From Media and Opposition
The shutdown drew immediate and strong criticism from roughly a dozen Turkish journalists' associations and opposition figures. The associations called the closure "a grave attack on our profession" and urged the decision to be reversed, arguing it violates press freedom and citizens' right to receive news.
Opposition leader "Ozgur Ozel" described the action as "repression," saying a criminal court should not be used to silence a widely used news outlet and urging a swift reversal.
Detentions and Wider Crackdown
Authorities have simultaneously carried out a broad operation described as targeting the LGBTQ community. Police raids hit gay bars, nightclubs and private homes, with warrants reportedly issued for 162 people. The campaign has unsettled rights groups and activists, some of whom view the operation as politically timed ahead of upcoming elections.
Journalist Tugba Tekerek remains detained following her arrest in connection with an article about Georgia's LGBTQ community that appeared on Kaos GL’s website. In a letter published from prison, Tekerek said her resolve to pursue journalism for a democratic and free country remains "high."
Official Context
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the "My Family Is Safe" operation is part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "Decade of the Family," an initiative described by officials as protecting children, the family institution and social order. President Erdogan has publicly criticized LGBTQ groups, using derogatory language that rights advocates say has contributed to a hostile climate.
T24's Response
Buse Sogutlu, T24's foreign news desk editor, said the outlet had been subject to a "social media harassment campaign" in recent days and characterized the closure as more than a reaction to specific coverage —calling it "an attack against pure journalism." T24 has offices in Istanbul and Ankara and employs around 40 staff.
Note: The situation remains fluid. The blocking order and related detentions have prompted calls from media freedom advocates to restore access and release detained journalists while the government maintains the measures are aimed at protecting family values and social order.
Help us improve.
