Turkish Campaign to Free LGBT Activists Backs Anti-Censorship Protests

The “We Demand Freedom” campaign (Özgürlük İstiyoruz), which seeks the release of LGBT activists in Turkey, has backed journalists’ anti-censorship protests planned for October 24, 2026, in ten cities. ÜniKuir reported the call to participate on October 23.

The same appeal appeared on the Kaos GL portal as early as October 21. The campaign linked its support to the detention of Kaos GL representatives and freelance journalist Tuğba Tekerek. Its statement also cited the blocking of T24 over LGBT news and restrictions on accounts covering LGBT rights. These are the campaign participants’ arguments.

Organisers include the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS), the media workers’ union DİSK Basın-İş and the Journalists’ Association of Turkey. According to Bianet, the professional groups oppose journalists’ arrests, the appointment of trustees to media outlets and the blocking of websites and social media. They invited trade unions, bar associations, civil society groups and the public to join.

The published schedule sets the Istanbul gathering for 1 p.m. at the bull statue in Kadıköy, the gathering in the capital Ankara for 2 p.m. at Kolej junction, and the Izmir gathering for 2 p.m. outside the Türkan Saylan cultural centre. Times are local; these are announcements, not reports of completed protests.

Translation of TGS’s post: “Broadcast blackouts, closures, trustees, prison, censorship… We will not be silent: on October 24, we take to the streets for press freedom!”

Uránia previously reported the launch of “We Demand Freedom” following September’s arrests in Turkey. The initiative seeks the release of detainees and the removal of restrictions on LGBT organisations.