The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Civil Society Relations prepared audit reports about four associations operating in the city. The reports included important evaluations regarding the amount of money transferred to one association from European countries and the activities of the associations.

AUDITED ASSOCIATIONS AND THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION

The audit covered the "Sosyal Politika Cinsiyet Kimliği ve Cinsel Yönelim Çalışmaları Derneği", "Pozitif İz Derneği", "Hak Eşitlik Varoluş İçin Lezbiyen, Gay, Biseksüel, Transeksüel, İnterseksüel Derneği", and "Lezbiyen, Gay, Biseksüel, Trans, İnterseks Artı Aileleri ve Yakınları Derneği". The report shared information that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting an investigation into these associations for the crimes of "forming an organization to commit a crime", "obscenity", and "violating the associations law".

AID FROM EUROPE DREW ATTENTION

One of the most striking points in the audit was the aid received from abroad. According to the report, a total of 132,875 euros in aid was provided to the "Lezbiyen, Gay, Biseksüel, Trans, İnterseks Artı Aileleri ve Yakınları Derneği" from different institutions in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany in 2024, 2025, and 2026. It was also noted that 1,241,820 Turkish Liras in financial aid was transferred to the association from Sweden.

PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE EMPHASIZES FAMILY AND CHILD RIGHTS

The report also included a letter sent by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Society Relations. The letter listed various allegations and evaluations regarding the associations' activities. In particular, an investigation was requested regarding the protection of children and "The Protection of the Family and Child Rights," which are guaranteed under Article 41 of the Constitution. In this context, an examination of the activities of the aforementioned associations was requested.

RELEVANT ARTICLE OF THE CIVIL CODE RECALLED

One of the critical sections of the audit report was the evaluation regarding the legal personality of the associations. The report recalled the following provision in Article 89 of the Turkish Civil Code: "If the purpose of the association becomes contrary to law or morality, the court shall decide on the dissolution of the association upon the request of the public prosecutor or an interested party. The court shall take all necessary measures, including suspension of activities, during the lawsuit." The report stated that matters falling within the scope of this provision and those to be identified ex officio should be evaluated by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Thus, the legal evaluation of the findings presented as a result of the audit was left to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.