HRW Urges Probe As Turkish Guards Continually Abuse Refugees
MEP: Human Rights Watch has reportedly called on Turkish authorities to investigate the exploitations against refugees trying to cross into the country and are continually being shot and beat by the Turkish border guards.
The group said Tuesday that Turkish border guards in March and April used excessive force against Syrians and a smuggler trying to reach Turkey, killing five people, including a child, and injuring 14 others.
Human Rights Watch, which interviewed victims, witnesses, and Syrian locals said eight of the injured refugees were shot while the other six were severely assaulted.
“While senior Turkish officials claim they are welcoming Syrian refugees with open borders and open arms, their border guards are killing and beating them,” said Gerry Simpson, a senior HRW refugee researcher.
“Firing at traumatized men, women, and children fleeing fighting and indiscriminate warfare is truly horrendous,” Simpson added.
The rights group also urged Ankara to stand by international laws and stop attacking refugees or banning them from crossing the borders.
The New-York based watchdog also called on Turkish authorities to investigate the excessive use of force by the Turkish border guards.
