Turkey-Greece tensions spiral into bigger crisis over 92 naked refugees

Turkey and Greece have again traded barbs over the ill-treatment of refugees after more than 90 asylum-seekers were found naked on the Greek side of the Evros River earlier this week.

In a series of recent social media posts, Greek Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi laid the blame at Turkey's door, saying its "behavior" was a "shame for civilization."

“I have requested & will see the president of the UN General Assembly in New York, I have informed the Commission & will show photos & videos,” the minister said. “We expect Ankara to investigate the incident and protect at last its borders with the EU.”

“[Turkey’s] behavior towards 92 migrants whom we rescued at the borders today is a shame for civilization.”

Responding to the accusation, Turkey’s presidential office said Mitarakis, also known as Mitarachi, “is once again conducting perception management tactics by using the photos of stripped naked migrants for which there is no location, nor any date provided.”

The Turkish government’s spokesman Fahrettin Altun said, “We warn Greece to abandon its harsh treatment of refugees as soon as possible, to cease its baseless and false charges against [Turkey], and to deliver the dignity of government.”

Turkey also posted a lengthy statement on its official presidential website, accusing Greece of regularly abusing refugees, and posting photos it alleged were evidence.

Greek police said they rescued the 92 men who were found naked, and some with injuries, close to the northern border with Turkey on October 14. 

SS