Venue owners affirm no narcotics were found and describe operations as systematic targeting of a lifestyle
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Istanbul — Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet reported that more than ten entertainment venues and recreational establishments in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul have been closed and sealed with red wax, following a series of successive security raids conducted by police under the pretext of counter-narcotics operations.
Owners of these establishments confirmed that consecutive inspection operations yielded no evidence or materials warranting legal accountability, noting that the closures actually represent systematic targeting of the lifestyle prevalent in the district, which is known for its progressive character and cultural vibrancy.
Those affected described what occurred as a "lockdown on a way of life," in reference to what they view as a tightening of social and recreational space in the area. Venue owners called for clear legal justification for the closures, given the absence of any documented forensic evidence supporting these exceptional measures.
Turkish police have closed more than 10 entertainment venues in Kadikoy district in Istanbul under the pretext of combating drugs, but their owners assert that no narcotic substances or criminal evidence were found. They describe the operations as systematic targeting of a progressive lifestyle in the district.
If you frequent cafes or entertainment venues in Kadikoy or plan to spend leisure time there, you may find your options limited due to ongoing closures. Repeated security operations without clear evidence reflect a pattern of restrictions on social spaces that could extend to other similar areas.

Mehmet Yılmaz