Turkish police have detained dozens of journalists, academics, human rights activists, lawyers, and members of left-wing organizations in coordinated raids across several provinces, just days before a major NATO summit opens in Ankara.

The security operations, carried out in Ankara, Istanbul, and other cities, coincide with heightened security measures introduced by the Turkish government ahead of the two-day NATO summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Authorities have also imposed a ban on public gatherings in the capital.

Despite the restrictions, anti-NATO demonstrators gathered in Ankara on Sunday, where clashes broke out between protesters and police. Several demonstrators were reportedly arrested during the confrontation.

According to opposition broadcaster Halk TV and the Cumhuriyet newspaper, police targeted members of left-wing political parties, labor unions, and civil society organizations during the raids.

Among those detained were Buse Söğütlü, editor-in-chief of the online news outlet T24, and Ceren Erdoğdu, a reporter for Oda TV, both of whom were reportedly arrested at their homes. The chairwoman of the Istanbul branch of the Association of Contemporary Lawyers (CHD) was also detained, while police searched her residence and arrested several of her clients.

Authorities have not officially explained the reasons for the arrests. However, lawyer Erman Öztürk suggested that the detentions were likely connected to preparations for the NATO summit, describing the operations as an effort to intimidate "democrats, leftists, and the press."

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported that police arrested 39 suspects in nationwide operations targeting the youth wing of the banned leftist organization THKP/C-DEV YOL. In a separate operation in Kocaeli Province, police detained 28 additional suspects allegedly linked to the so-called Islamic State and left-wing militant groups. Authorities said they seized ammunition and prohibited digital materials during the raids.

The crackdown has drawn strong criticism from media and human rights organizations.

Erol Önderoğlu, Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), condemned what he described as "blind, arbitrary, and haphazard operations" that jeopardize the safety and reputation of journalists.

The Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC) also criticized the detentions, stating that it is unacceptable for journalists to face intimidation through arrest and detention. The association called for the immediate release of all detained media workers, warning that the operations represent a serious violation of press freedom and an attempt to suppress dissent before the NATO summit.

Human rights organizations report that the latest arrests follow an earlier wave of detentions in late June, when more than 200 people, including lawyers, academics, students, and civil society representatives, were arrested as part of a broader security crackdown ahead of the international gathering.