/ / TÜRKIYE: LGBTI+ RIGHTS DEFENDERS ON TRIAL

TÜRKIYE: LGBTI+ RIGHTS DEFENDERS ON TRIAL

UA: 17.26

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Emirhan Şaşmaz, Kerem Dikmen, and nine other members of the executive and supervisory boards of Izmir-based Genç LGBTI+ association are on trial for violating the Law on Associations, a law that governs civil society groups and can be used to restrict their activities or even dissolve them. They are also accused of having acted in contravention of Article 41 of the Constitution, which protects “family and children’s rights.’’ In December 2025, in a separate lawsuit, the İzmir Civil Court of First Instance No. 3 ordered the dissolution of Genç LGBTI+, a decision now pending appeal. These actions violate freedom of association and discriminate against LGBTI+ individuals. We call on Turkish authorities to drop all charges and uphold human rights.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: September 17, 2026

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor, Ali Yeldan
Send an email to Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor, Ali Yeldan
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal, sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by September 17, 2026.

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Sample Letter

Dear Chief Public Prosecutor,

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the prosecution of Emirhan Şaşmaz, Kerem Dikmen, and nine other members of the executive and supervisory boards of the Izmir-based Genç LGBTI+ association. The association and its leadership face legal action for their lawful advocacy and community activities, which are alleged to have violated Article 41 of the Constitution of Türkiye on the protection of family and children’s rights and therefore considered to be in breach of Article 32/1(p) of the Law on Associations.

In December 2025, the İzmir Civil Court of First Instance No. 3 ruled to dissolve Genç LGBTI+, citing ‘obscenity’ in a few illustrations shared on the association’s social media accounts between 2019 and 2022. The Association was initially unaware of key hearings due to improper service, highlighting procedural unfairness.

Accusations of ‘obscenity’ and the weaponization of vague ‘morality’ laws that have led to the summary decision to close the association and the prosecution of its board members on similar grounds represent an unlawful restriction of their right to freedom of association and expression.

We urge you to immediately drop all the criminal charges against Genç LGBTI+ board members and uphold Türkiye’s obligations under international human rights law.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 2

Send your message

Email your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor, Ali Yeldan

Çınarlı Mahallesi

Şehit Polis Fethi Sekin Caddesi No:11/A

Konak / İZMİR

Türkiye

Fax: +90 232 435 04 37

[email protected]

and

CC: Embassy of Türkiye in the United States, Ambassador Sedat Önal

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,

Washington DC 20008

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

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