On 7 April 2008, during the afternoon around 5.30pm, a group of more than 12 plainclothes police came to the Lambdaistanbul Cultural Center with a search warrant. The policemen were reluctant to let the Lambda members present at the center to read the full text of the warrant, and they did not give satisfactory answers to members' questions on the subject.

The officers remained in the center for approximately two hours, during which time they examined the premises and all materials in the office, and also collected the identity cards of everyone who entered the center. At the end of their search they were not able to find evidence of a criminal offence; however, they took with them some important documents regarding Lambda's financial and membership systems.

The next day, Lambda's lawyer discovered that an accusation had been lodged against the association for participating in illegal prostitution activities, procuring transgender sex workers and sharing their earnings. Lambda has been informed that the police have been observing the cultural center and had taken note of frequent visits by transgender people. According to the public prosecutor, this was proof enough to issue a search warrant.

Lambda intends to seek legal action following the raid and we are currently consulting with our lawyers to decide the best way to proceed.

By a strange coincidence, our friends at Labrys in Kyrgyzstan were also raided by the police on the same day under the pretext of illegal prostitution activity, and were also forced to submit various papers. We are very proud and impressed by them for having the presence of mind to document the police's actions with video cameras, and we wish them the best of success as they prepare a response to this event.

Lambdaistanbul is also currently involved in a court case over the association's right to apply for official status as an organization, following a complaint by the city governorship that Lambda should be closed down as the group is a threat to Turkish family values and public decency. Our fifth hearing will be held on April 17. We are hoping that this case will be ruled in our favor but are prepared to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your ongoing support. Your messages of solidarity mean a lot to us.

Wishing you peace and success in your own efforts,

Lambdaistanbul LGBT Solidarity Association

More information on Lambdaistanbul can be found at:
http://www.lambdaistanbul.org/php/lambda.php?key=informatio

More information about Labrys Kyrgyzstan can be found at:
http://kyrgyzlabrys.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/surprise-militia-visit-to-community-centre-causes-public-stir/