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Turkey Detains Over 470 People Following Anti-Syrian Riots Triggered by Child Harassment Accusation

Turkish authorities detain 474 people after anti-Syrian riots erupt in several cities, sparked by allegations of a Syrian man harassing a child, highlighting ongoing tensions between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees.

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Nitish Verma
New Update
Turkey

Turkish authorities have detained 474 people in connection with anti-Syrian riots that erupted in several cities, sparked by accusations that a Syrian man had harassed a child. The unrest began on Sunday in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri, where a mob went on the rampage, damaging businesses and properties belonging to Syrians.

According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the detained individuals were involved in "provocative actions" against Syrians in Turkey. Videos on social media showed a grocery store being set on fire, with a Turkish man heard shouting, "We don't want any more Syrians! We don't want any more foreigners." 

The incident that sparked the violence involved a Syrian man accused of harassing a Syrian girl, who is related to the accused. A court in Kayseri ordered the man's arrest late on Monday, with Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stating that the child and her family are under the state's protection.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the anti-Syrian violence as "unacceptable" and blamed the opposition for stoking tensions. The unrest spread to several other cities, including Istanbul, prompting authorities to call for calm. Interior Minister Yerlikaya appealed to Turkish citizens, saying, "Let's not get provoked, let's act moderately." 

Why it Matters : The anti-Syrian riots in Turkey are a stark reminder of the xenophobic sentiments that have been simmering beneath the surface in recent years. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey, who have been the target of violence and discrimination. The fate of Syrian refugees is a contentious issue in Turkish politics, with Erdogan's opponents promising to send them back to Syria during last year's election.

Turkish police boosted security around the Syrian consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, deploying an armored truck and patrolling the vicinity. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees, who number around 3.2 million in Turkey, according to UN data. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkish authorities detain 474 people in connection with anti-Syrian riots sparked by harassment allegations.
  • The unrest began in Kayseri, where a mob damaged businesses and properties belonging to Syrians.
  • President Erdogan condemned the violence as "unacceptable" and blamed the opposition for stoking tensions.
  • Turkey hosts around 3.2 million Syrian refugees, according to UN data.
  • The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees, who have been the target of violence and discrimination.