A progrom broke out in Kayseri, a Turkish city known for its conservative and nationalist character, following allegations last night that a Syrian man had sexually harassed a young child. Syrian-owned vehicles and shops were set on fire by the local population.
An investigation has been initiated in the Danişmentgazi district of the city after a 26-year-old Syrian national known only by the initials I.A. was accused of sexually abusing his 7-year-old niece M.A. in a market toilet.
When the allegations of abuse became known, a mob started overturning and burning vehicles and shops owned by Syrian refugees. Police apprehended the suspect and removed him from the area.
The ensuing chaos resulted in 14 police officers and one firefighter being injured.
Kayseri Governor’s Office confirmed that a Syrian national had been detained in connection with the sexual assault of a child in the densely Syrian-populated Danişmentgazi neighbourhood. The child has been taken into protective custody.
Kayseri Criminal Court of Peace No.2 has imposed a ban on all news, interviews, and similar publications related to the incident until the investigation is completed. The court gave the grounds for the ban: “To protect the health of the victim and their family, and to prevent further public disorder following the incident”. A restriction order has also been placed on the investigation file.
Last night Kayseri’s Chief of Police, Atanur Aydın, visited the area and stated that the child involved was “not Turkish”, adding, “I assure you that every legal action, including deportation, will be taken against this individual and his family.”
In a written statement, the Ministry of Family and Social Services stated, “The child victim, their siblings and her mother have been placed under state protection following the necessary procedures at the police station. Our expert teams have initiated psychosocial support for the child and their family. We at the Ministry will actively follow the judicial process to ensure the perpetrator receives the maximum penalty.”
Meanwhile, there are other claims that the child was mentally disabled, and that the young man was actually assisting her.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and societal challenges faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey. Anti-refugee sentiment has surged in Turkey amid economic challenges, with Syrians often blamed for various societal issues, including a perceived reduction in local wages.
Tensions between Syrian refugees and sectors of the Turkish population have been escalating in recent months, as evidenced by several street incidents.
Additionally, nearly 30,000 Syrian refugees were subjected to inhumane treatment while being deported from Turkey last year, according to a report by Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ).
