Journalists decry crackdown after Turkey blocks news site over 'LGBT propaganda'

Key Points:

• A Turkish court blocked access to independent news portal T24, citing 118 articles deemed as "LGBT propaganda" as part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups under the "My Family is Safe" investigation.
• Yildiz Tar, editor-in-chief of LGBTQ+ outlet Kaos GL, whose articles were cited, condemned the decision as treating objective journalism on LGBTQ+ issues as a crime, emphasizing the articles covered rights, hate crimes, and post-earthquake experiences.
• T24's editor Candan Yildiz described the ruling as a "digital state of emergency," restricting journalistic freedom, and confirmed plans to appeal the court's decision.
• The crackdown has led to numerous detentions of LGBTQ+ activists and media figures, with international bodies like the Council of Europe and the EU condemning the actions as coordinated repression against LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression.
• Turkish President Erdogan has intensified anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, framing traditional family protection as a counter to global gender-neutral policies, amid a media landscape largely aligned with government interests due to pressure and censorship.