Turkish ruling party slams Greek beating of migrants

ANKARA

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party on Saturday condemned Greek soldiers’ mistreatment of irregular migrants.

Earlier, the Turkish Defense Ministry said in a statement: "29 irregular migrants were brutally beaten by Greek soldiers. Their money, phones and even their shoes were confiscated."

Turkish security forces rescued the migrants who were stranded on a small islet near the banks of the Meric River.

Describing the incident as "a violation of human rights," AK Party Spokesman Omer Celik said, "We condemn the Greek soldiers beating migrants at the Edirne border, confiscating their money, passports and even shoes and pushing them back from the border line."

"The European Union should not allow these inhumane practices within its borders. This is a violation of human rights, not border protection," Celik added.

He also applauded Turkish security forces for rescuing the migrants.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country hosts nearly 4 million refugees, including over 3.6 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.

*Writing by Merve Aydogan