Turkish police accused of beating Afghan migrants with iron rods, leading to frostbite

Young migrants traveling toward Europe have reported that they were stripped of clothing and had their hands bound while exposed to sub‑zero temperatures. The allegations were made by a group of teenagers who arrived by boat in a southern Mediterranean port earlier this week, describing the conditions as “inhumane” and “dangerous” during the final leg of their journey.

According to the migrants, the restraints were applied by members of a smuggling network operating out of North Africa, and the victims were left unattended for several hours before being handed over to authorities. Local officials confirmed that the arrivals were taken to a reception centre for medical assessment, noting that several individuals required treatment for hypothermia and minor injuries. An investigation has been launched by the national police and the European Union’s border agency to determine the extent of the alleged abuse and to identify those responsible.