A dozen young Afghan migrants who attempted to reach Europe in January reported being beaten and abandoned by Turkish border guards near the city of Van. According to the group, they faced extreme temperatures and violence, leading to multiple amputations due to frostbite.
Details of Abandonment and Violence
On January 25, 2023, around 50 undocumented Afghan migrants were apprehended after crossing into Turkey from Iran. The migrants described being stripped of their clothing and beaten with iron rods by border guards. One migrant, Shahsawar, 21, recounted, "They kept us for several nights in a warehouse, where snow was falling on us. And they gave us only water and dry bread once a day."
They were forced to carry out hard labor, including clearing snow, while being denied communication with family or traffickers. Many in the group suffered frostbite, with at least 20 individuals reportedly freezing to death during this ordeal.
Aftermath and Medical Consequences
Upon regaining consciousness in a Kabul hospital, Shahsawar discovered that both his hands and legs had been amputated due to frostbite. He stated, "I raised my hands - they felt light. Both had been cut off." His experience reflects a tragic outcome for many in the group, as they faced delayed medical care.
According to Şafak Bozkurt, head of the Van Bar Association Human Rights Centre Migration and Asylum Commission, such push-backs and incidents of hypothermia have been increasingly reported since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Responses from Authorities
When approached for comment, Turkish authorities did not directly address the allegations made by the migrants but stated that border forces operate within national and international laws. They emphasized that detained migrants receive necessary assistance, including food and medical care.
The Afghan embassy in Tehran intervened, stating they were taking steps to assist the stranded migrants. On February 2, 2023, the migrants were transferred back to Afghanistan for further medical treatment. Many faced severe health consequences due to the lack of timely medical attention.
- Temperature in eastern Turkey dropped to -15°C during this period.
- At least 20 migrants reportedly froze to death.
- Shahsawar and others suffered amputations due to untreated frostbite.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
