Turkish police beat us with iron rods before we lost limbs to frostbite, Afghans say
Summary
A group of about 50 Afghan migrants trying to reach Europe say Turkish border guards beat them and forced them into freezing conditions near the Iran border. Many suffered severe frostbite, and some died; several survivors lost limbs. Turkish authorities say they followed laws and provided basic care but did not specifically address the violence claims.Key Facts
- Around 50 Afghan migrants were caught by Turkish border guards near Van city in eastern Turkey during harsh winter conditions.
- The migrants say guards beat them with iron rods, stripped them, and forced them to crawl through snow and barbed wire toward Iran.
- Group members say at least 20 people died from frostbite and exposure after being pushed into sub-zero weather with little clothing.
- Eleven of twelve survivors who spoke to the BBC were under 25 years old; some lost hands or legs due to frostbite.
- One migrant, Shahsawar, woke up in Kabul hospital to find both hands and legs amputated.
- Migrants were held in a warehouse with limited food and forced to do hard labor before being expelled.
- Turkish foreign ministry said border forces acted according to law and gave food, water, and medical care but did not address the allegations of violence.
- One young migrant, Asim, was found frostbitten and barely able to speak after being left in the snow.
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