German-Speaking Artists and Writers Denounce Attacks on Queer Communities in Turkey

German-speaking cultural figures and activists have issued a statement expressing shock at what they describe as massive attacks on queer people and LGBTQ organizations in Turkey. The signatories, identified as artists and authors, say they are themselves queer and/or have queer people in their families and social and professional circles. Legal proceedings are underway against several hundred people across more than 15 Turkish provinces, according to the statement. It also reports nighttime raids on apartments, the confiscation of personal belongings, and searches of clubs, civil society offices and editorial offices. Queer life and solidarity are being criminalized, the signatories write, with the accusation of endangering public order. The full text is published in the current issue of the Freitag.