27/10/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
107 organizations and groups signed a joint statement published by the Side by Side for Equality Platform, calling for the immediate release of imprisoned LGBTI+ people.
The Side by Side for Equality Platform issued a joint statement signed by 107 organizations and groups. Titled “Release LGBTI+ people who have been imprisoned for more than a month!”, the statement recalled that 117 people were detained and 83 were arrested during the “My Family Is Safe” operations launched on September 12.
The signatories, including LGBTI+ organizations, women’s organizations, human rights associations, trade unions and political parties, stated that LGBTI+ people had been subjected to ill-treatment and torture during detention and imprisonment, and demanded the release of those imprisoned.
“The existence, organizing and rights advocacy of LGBTI+ people are not crimes”
The joint statement called for solidarity against practices aimed at isolating LGBTI+ people, rendering them invisible and subjecting their lives to repression.
The statement read:
“The existence of LGBTI+ people, their right to organize and their advocacy for their rights are not crimes. We reject the legitimization of hatred, torture, arrests and restrictions on freedom of association under the pretext of ‘protecting the family.’ We defend everyone’s right to live an equal, free and dignified life.”
Emphasizing that attacks on the LGBTI+ movement are part of broader attempts to silence the struggle for equality and freedom, the statement called on organizations working in the field of human rights, activists, feminists, politicians, trade union and bar association representatives, and everyone who stands for equality to strengthen solidarity:
“Attacks on the LGBTI+ movement are part of attempts to silence the struggle for equality and freedom. In the face of this repression, strengthening solidarity is a responsibility we all share. We call on all rights-based organizations, activists, feminists, politicians, trade union and bar association representatives, and everyone who stands for democracy and equality to support the demand for our friends’ release by adding their signatures. Release our friends immediately! End the repression of LGBTI+ people and LGBTI+ human rights defenders! We stand side by side, and together we are strong. As long as the world keeps turning, we will continue to exist!”
Tags: human rights, women, media, lgbti
