RASC News Agency: The Turkish police have conducted additional arrests of Afghanistani refugees, building upon previous detentions. On Tuesday, December 12th, Turkish police reported the arrest of 64 Afghanistani refugees in two cities across the country. In Agra city, 48 refugees were apprehended, while in Sakarya city, an additional 16 refugees were taken into custody. These arrests were part of distinct operations aimed at apprehending undocumented asylum seekers, with a specific focus on those originating from Afghanistan.
Following due legal processes, the refugees were transferred to the immigration office in their respective cities. Furthermore, Turkish police have detained three individuals involved in refugee smuggling. Despite the ongoing practice throughout the year, where over 4,000 Afghanistani refugees have already been detained and deported from Turkey, the latest detainees will also face deportation and repatriation to Afghanistan.
In recent months, there has been a surge in the arrest and deportation of Afghanistani refugees from Turkey. Reports indicate inappropriate treatment of these refugees by Turkish authorities. Despite facing challenging circumstances, including political instability, a lack of educational and employment opportunities, and the presence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, approximately 300,000 Afghanistani refugees in Turkey continue to be subject to strict measures, resulting in their detention and forced deportation.
Simultaneously, Pakistan and Iran are taking steps to expel undocumented asylum seekers, exacerbating the challenges faced by these individuals upon their return to their respective countries.