The editorial team of “Kokkini Newspaper” expresses its full and unconditional solidarity with LGBTQI+ people, collectives, and those fighting for their rights in Turkey.

In recent days, we have witnessed a new and particularly serious escalation of repression against the community and the LGBTQI+ movement.

Since September 13, Turkish authorities have carried out coordinated police operations in several cities across the country, conducting raids on homes, spaces and offices of LGBTQI+ organizations, as well as places associated with the community. Dozens of people have been arrested or detained, while the investigations concern more than 160 people in total, as well as organizations and businesses. Among those targeted was Kaos GL, one of the most important LGBTQI+ rights organizations in Turkey.

At the same time, according to the latest available information, members of Kaos GL have been sent to prison pending trial, while other activists have been placed under judicial supervision. Turkish authorities claim that the operations are part of the “My Family Is Safe” campaign and are aimed at protecting children, the family, and public order.

At the same time, there have been reports of blocks and restrictions on access to websites, social media accounts, and digital platforms associated with LGBTQI+ organizations, activists, and media outlets. Amnesty International has called for an immediate end to the repression and the release of detained activists, while documenting restrictions affecting more than 180 accounts and websites.

The repression did not stop with the arrests. On September 15, people who gathered outside the Çağlayan Courthouse in Istanbul to protest the prosecutions targeting the LGBTQI+ community faced another police intervention and mass detentions. According to the latest reports, dozens of protesters were arrested, while the total number of people detained during demonstrations in Istanbul and Ankara exceeded one hundred.

Thus, within just a few days, not only LGBTQI+ people but also organizations, activists, journalists, and people taking to the streets to defend the rights of the community have been targeted.

For us, this situation cannot go unnoticed.

To every LGBTQI+ person in Turkey, to every activist who is currently facing repression, we want to say clearly:

You are not alone. We stand with you.

Solidarity knows no borders.
Struggles for freedom, equality, dignity, visibility, and justice bring people together across borders, languages, and political differences.

As “Kokkini Newspaper”, we will continue to closely monitor developments in Turkey and to provide space for the voices of the LGBTQI+ community, organizations, activists, and all those resisting repression.

At the same time, through the pages of our newspaper and website, we will publish every announcement and update sent to us concerning events, mobilizations, discussions, and solidarity actions taking place in Greece, focusing on Turkey and the rights of LGBTQI+ people there.

We call on collectives, organizations, initiatives, movements, and people in solidarity to send us relevant announcements, invitations, and information. Any relevant material sent to us for publication will be published through the pages and website of “Kokkini”, so that the community can be informed and everyone can follow and participate in solidarity actions.

At a time when an attempt is being made to impose silence, information and solidarity are essential.

The voice of the LGBTQI+ community in Turkey must not be silenced.
From Greece to Turkey, we send a clear message:
No one alone in the face of repression.
No one alone in the face of exclusion.
No struggle stands alone.
Rights and dignity have no borders.

“Kokkini Newspaper” stands with the LGBTQI+ community in Turkey.
Solidarity has no borders. Solidarity is unconditional

*You can also read the solidarity statement of «Kokkini newspaper» in Greek and in Turkish.