Toronto Star
· collected 2026-09-19 · by Dylan Robertson The Canadian Press
Turkish authorities have conducted raids on LGBTQ+ organizations, detaining dozens of activists and shutting down social media accounts. European countries including Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Iceland issued a joint statement condemning these actions as violations of human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. In contrast, Canada has remained silent, with Global Affairs Canada only affirming general support for LGBTQ+ rights without mentioning Turkey specifically. The Canadian government's response is seen in context of its diplomatic negotiations with Turkey to secure trade deals.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-19,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Turkish authorities launched a crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups and HIV support organizations early Sunday morning, detaining dozens and raiding offices and popular hangouts in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin, Mersin, and other cities. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the raids were part of an operation called "My Family is Safe," targeting 162 suspects across nine associations and 13 businesses in 15 provinces. Authorities seized drugs, digital equipment, and blocked access to dozens of websites and social media accounts linked to LGBTQ+ organizations. The move is seen as an escalation of the government's decade-long hostility toward the community ahead of elections, drawing criticism from human rights groups and opposition figures for violating freedoms of assembly and privacy.
Written for “Turkey LGBTQ Crackdown” on 2026-10-04,
grounded in this article and the 8 other(s) covering the same event.
The Carney government has opted against joining Germany, France and others in condemning Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations as it negotiates a possible trade deal with Ankara.
asserted
it → opt → Ankara
Turkish authorities targeted multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals this past week, detaining dozens of activists, breaking into association offices and raiding popular hangouts.
asserted
authorities → target → hangouts
Authorities have stopped protests against the raids and banned access to numerous social media accounts, despite the fact that same-sex activity is not illegal in Turkey.
asserted
activity → stop → Turkey
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek wrote on social media that the investigation of 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses was to “protect children, the institution of the family, and public order.”
asserted
investigation → write → family
The advocacy group ILGA-Europe is asking countries to speak out, saying roughly 300 people had been arrested as of Thursday and warning the crackdown could lead to further government actions against democracy and the rule of law.
uncertain
crackdown → ask → law
“The raids mark an escalation of a concerted attack on LGBTI activism and community support,” the group wrote in a statement.
asserted
group → mark → statement
It said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s hostility toward LGBTQ+ groups has included “restrictions and detentions at Pride, censorship of LGBTI content, pressure on organizations, and political narratives portraying LGBTI people as threats to children, families and public morality.”
asserted
hostility → say → children
The European Union expressed concern over the raids this week in a statement by a European Commission spokesperson.
asserted
Union → express → spokesperson
In a joint statement issued Thursday, France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Iceland called the crackdown “deeply troubling.”
The statement said LGBTQ+ people have rights to expression, assembly and association under the European Convention on Human Rights, which Turkey has signed.
asserted
Turkey → issue → which
When asked why Ottawa was not part of the joint statement, Global Affairs Canada did not answer directly.
asserted
Canada → ask → statement
It issued a statement affirming support for LGBTQ+ rights that did not mention Turkey at all.
asserted
that → issue → Turkey
“Canada firmly believes that everyone should be able to live freely, safely and with dignity.
asserted
everyone → believe → dignity
We remain concerned by developments in some countries where the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ persons are being restricted,” wrote department spokeswoman Thida Ith.
asserted
Ith → remain → persons
“Global Affairs Canada is in close contact with 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and advocates in the countries where we serve.
asserted
we → serve → countries
These trusted partners provide valuable insight into conditions on the ground and help guide Canada’s support for individuals facing discrimination or persecution.”
Canada did not issue a statement in April when Senegal expanded criminal penalties against LGBTQ+ people, though Global Affairs Canada did update its travel advisory for the West African country.
asserted
Canada → trust → country
Global Affairs said at the time it was “aware” of the law and “working closely with partners” like the United Nations “to assess the situation.”
asserted
it → say → situation
Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose government is seeking new market access around the world, said he is limiting the government’s public criticism on human rights in China, Saudi Arabia and other countries.
asserted
he → seek → China
He has argued closed-door conversations on rights issues are more productive than “lecturing countries from afar.”
asserted
conversations → argue → countries
In July, Turkey and Canada announced the launch of negotiations on a free-trade deal.
asserted
Turkey → announce → deal
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is accusing the Carney government of demonstrating a “troubling double standard” in its criticism of Israel.
asserted
Centre → accuse → Israel
The Carney government has called out Israel over restrictions on aid for Gaza and rising violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
asserted
government → call → Bank
“Why is the Canadian government hostile when it comes to Israel, but not using its economic and diplomatic leverage with (Turkey), which has occupied Cyprus for more than 50 years — even as Canada’s European allies speak out?” the group wrote in a Wednesday statement.
asserted
group → come → statement
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2026.
asserted
report → publish → Press
The Aporia
