Turkish police have detained 67 people following a violent mob attack in Kayseri, triggered by an accusation of harassment against a Syrian man. The incident involved the targeting of Syrian businesses and properties, with one grocery store being set on fire.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts are unacceptable and warning against the use of hate speech for political gain. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the Syrian man, suspected of harassing a young girl, had been apprehended and stated that the actions of the mob were unlawful and not reflective of Turkey’s values.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the 3.2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, with xenophobic violence erupting periodically. Erdogan’s opponents have even made promises to repatriate the refugees. The aftermath of the attack in Kayseri serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by both the Syrian community and Turkish authorities in managing the refugee crisis.