Turkey Shuts Down Independent Online News Outlet Over Alleged "LGBTQ+ Propaganda"
The Turkish government has ordered the closure of the independent online news outlet "T24". The Ministry of Justice announced the decision, stating the news portal engaged in "LGBTQ+ propaganda" as part of the "My Family is Safe" operation, a crackdown on LGBTQ+ life in Turkey.
According to the Ministry's statement, T24 produced 118 pieces of content with alleged "LGBTQ+ propaganda" last year. The Ministry believes this content aimed to "weaken the Turkish family structure" and could negatively influence the "developmental processes of young people regarding sexual orientation and gender identity."
T24 received the closure order via email. The website remained accessible initially. Founded in 2009, T24 has been known as a largely independent and critical media outlet.
Several journalistic associations sharply criticized the government's action, calling it a "serious attack on our profession". A statement from 13 organizations indicated that the "My Family is Safe" operation had "targeted freedom of the press and expression from the outset."
In mid-September, Turkish police raided the premises, bars, and clubs of the LGBTQ+ community, arresting dozens of people. Numerous websites and social media accounts were also blocked.
While homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, homophobia is widespread. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan frequently refers to LGBTQ+ individuals as "perverts" and promotes a traditional family model.
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