Turkey blocks T24 over alleged LGBT propaganda content

Turkish authorities blocked independent news outlet T24’s website and social media accounts, alleging it had published 118 items of “LGBT propaganda” over the past year and content that weakened the family structure. The order was issued as part of the government’s “My Family is Safe” operation, which has targeted LGBTQ+ groups and activists; authorities say the initiative protects children and family values. T24 rejects the allegation, says the cited material was journalism rather than propaganda, and is appealing the decision, while journalists’ associations and opposition figures have condemned the shutdown. LGBTQ+ editor Yildiz Tar said the case risks treating objective reporting on LGBTQ+ people as a crime, and T24 editors described it as a serious threat to press freedom. The shutdown comes amid wider restrictions on online speech, including blocks on social media accounts belonging to journalists, rights advocates and an organization that tracks internet censorship.