Six individuals in Afrin (Efrin) were abducted by Turkish intelligence for celebrating the Netherlands’ victory over Turkey in Euro 2024, ANHA reported on Sunday. The incident occurred in the occupied region of Afrin, where Turkish intelligence operatives targeted those celebrating the Dutch win.
According to reports, four were taken by Turkish intelligence (MİT) after being seen celebrating the Dutch victory in local cafes. Additionally, two more people were abducted after posting congratulatory messages to the Netherlands on social media. These abductions highlight ongoing tensions and repression in the region under Turkish control.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, Arabs and Kurds celebrated the Dutch victory together, chanting “Arabs and Kurds are brothers.” This display of unity contrasts with the repressive actions in Afrin, shedding light on the broader implications of political dissent and freedom of expression in occupied territories.
The abductions have raised significant human rights concerns, highlighting the risks faced by individuals in Afrin under Turkish occupation. Celebrating a football match result has led to severe consequences, illustrating the extent of surveillance and control exercised by Turkish authorities in the region.
A Human Rights Watch report, ‘Everything is by the Power of the Weapon’, published in February, details widespread abuses and impunity in Turkish-occupied northern Syria. Turkey exerts control through the Syrian National Army (SNA), which commits abductions, arbitrary arrests, torture and sexual violence. The report highlights violations of housing, land and property rights, alongside lawlessness and insecurity in these regions. Since 2016, Turkish military operations have led to massive displacement and serious human rights abuses.
