28/07/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation was launched following complaints submitted through CİMER (the Presidential Communication Center) and an examination of the venue’s social media posts.
Seven people have been arrested as part of an investigation targeting an LGBTI+ bar operating in Ankara. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation was launched following complaints submitted through CİMER (the Presidential Communication Center), witness statements, open-source research, and an examination of the venue’s social media posts.
According to the prosecutor’s statement, the investigation was initiated after authorities claimed to have identified that the venue organized “sexually oriented entertainment” and that “obscene acts and acts contrary to public morality” had taken place there.
All seven people detained as part of the investigation were remanded in custody by the court.
Pro-government media targeted the bar
Following the operation, several pro-government media outlets used anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric in their coverage. A Haber published the story under the headlines “Seven suspects arrested in Ankara over LGBT perversion” and “No tolerance for LGBT perversion.”
Sabah newspaper also used language targeting LGBTI+ people in its reporting on the investigation. Its coverage included phrases such as “gay parties,” “male-to-male erotic dancing,” “LGBT bar,” and “gay bar.”
Tags: human rights, media, lgbti
