Turkey blocks access to independent news portal T24 over LGBT content

T24: T24 is an independent Turkish news portal known for covering a range of domestic and social issues. In this case, it has been targeted with a court-ordered access ban to its website and social media accounts as part of an official investigation into content labeled as LGBT propaganda. The outlet plans to appeal the decision and has described the move as an expansion of restrictions on journalistic work. Turkey: Turkey is a country spanning Europe and Asia with a government that has increasingly emphasized traditional family values in official policy and rhetoric. Under President Tayyip Erdogan, authorities have expanded investigations and legal actions against LGBTQ+ organizations and independent media outlets reporting on related topics. These steps have prompted international criticism from rights bodies regarding freedom of expression and media access. Yildiz Tar: Yildiz Tar serves as editor-in-chief of the LGBTQ+ news outlet Kaos GL and has contributed articles to T24 on topics including LGBTQ+ rights and community experiences. Some of Tar's reporting was cited by authorities as grounds for the T24 access ban. Tar has rejected characterizations of the work as propaganda, describing it instead as objective journalism covering real-world events and issues. Candan Yildiz: Candan Yildiz is the editor in charge at the independent news portal T24. Yildiz has spoken out against the court-ordered block on the outlet, characterizing the restrictions as creating a digital state of emergency for journalists. The editor emphasized that the decision undermines core journalistic practices and announced plans to appeal the ruling. European Union: The European Union monitors and comments on media freedom and human rights developments in Turkey as part of ongoing accession and partnership discussions. In response to the T24 ban and related actions, the EU has called on Turkish authorities to uphold freedom of expression and media independence. The organization views such measures as contrary to international standards on press rights. My Family is Safe: My Family is Safe is the name of a Turkish government investigation focused on groups and media outlets associated with LGBTQ+ topics, framed by authorities as a measure to protect children and traditional family values. The probe has led to website blocks, social media restrictions, and detentions of activists and journalists, including the action against T24. Critics view it as a coordinated campaign against LGBTQ+ rights and free expression. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe addresses human rights and democratic standards across member and candidate states, including Turkey. It has described recent arrests, raids, and digital restrictions targeting LGBTQ+ groups and media as a coordinated and escalating campaign. The assembly adopted a resolution urging Turkey to release detainees and avoid new anti-LGBT legislation. Government Position: Turkish authorities have linked the actions to efforts protecting children and family structures, while expanding investigations that encompass both activists and news outlets. International Response: European institutions have issued statements and resolutions urging Turkey to protect media freedom and refrain from measures restricting coverage of LGBTQ+ issues.