Turkish police raid gay bars and LGBTQ+ homes in ‘family values’ crackdown

Turkish police launched dawn raids on popular hang out spots (Picture: REUTERS)

Turkish police have arrested 162 people in a sweeping crackdown targeting gay bars and LGBTQ+ activists.

Authorities carried out dawn raids in 12 provinces over the weekend as part of a ‘My Family is Safe’ campaign to protect family values.

Officers targeted popular hangouts, current and former members of prominent LGBTQ+ rights groups and blocked their websites.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said proceedings had begun against 162 suspects, as well as 9 associations and 1...