Alleged torture of refugees by soldiers on parliamentary agenda

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An opposition MP has raised concerns about a distressing video circulating on social media, showing two people in military outfit torturing two individuals in their custody.

The video, which was shared on a Telegram channel named "Sansasyonel Turan Birliği" (Sensational Turan Union) drew widespread public outrage. The victims were purportedly identified as refugees, though the exact time and location of the incident remain unverified. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.

Mustafa Yeneroğlu, an MP for the Democracy and Progress (DEVA) Party, submitted a parliamentary inquiry to National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, seeking clarity.

Yeneroğlu sought details about the timing and location of the incident, along with any ongoing administrative or judicial investigations concerning the alleged torture. He also pressed for the identification of the military personnel captured in the video.

Moreover, Yeneroğlu inquired whether the soldiers in the video had been interviewed as witnesses, and if the identities of the individuals who suffered the alleged torture have been established. He further demanded information on any official procedures that have been undertaken concerning the victims, and whether there are any updates on their health status after the reported incident.

Instances of law enforcement forces resorting to violence against refugees in Turkey have been brought to light through social media in the past. In March, a distressing incident came to light where eight individuals crossing from Syria to Turkey were subjected to torture, and after being deported back to the Syrian side, two of them died in a hospital. Three soldiers were initially arrested in connection with the incident but were later released. (RT/VK)