TURKISH authorities cracked down on LGBTQ+ groups and individuals early this morning, detaining dozens of members, breaking into offices and raiding popular haunts.

In an escalation of the Turkish state’s decade-long hostility towards LGBTQ+ groups, simultaneous police raids took place in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin from 1am.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced on social media that the investigation into 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses was to “protect children, the institution of the family and public order.”

“As per the duty to protect families and children given to the state by the constitution, no criminal organisation, abuse network or illegal activity which targets children, youths or families will be tolerated!” Mr Gurlek posted.

The Human Rights Association condemned the raids, saying: “This is not a judicial investigation, it is a political operation aimed at forcing society into a monolithic family model and purging LGBTI+ and independent civil society under the guise of protecting the family and children.” it said.

“To include unrelated charges such as ‘forming a criminal organisation,’ ‘drugs,’ ‘prostitution’ and ‘obscenity’ serves not to reveal the truth but to incriminate the entire community.”