LONDON. A group of Afghan migrants has accused Turkish police of brutality that they say resulted in severe frostbite and subsequent amputations. The allegations, which have prompted an investigation by the UK Home Office, centre on a group of 12 men who were detained after crossing into Turkey from Iran in January.
The migrants claim they were stripped of their shoes and jackets and left in sub-zero temperatures for several hours. Four of the men later required amputations of toes or feet due to frostbite. The UK Home Office, which is assessing asylum claims from the group, has confirmed it is looking into the allegations.
A spokesperson said the department takes such claims seriously but declined to comment further while inquiries are ongoing. Turkey has not yet issued an official response. The case highlights the risks faced by migrants on the so-called Balkan route to Europe and raises questions about Turkey’s treatment of asylum seekers under its agreement with the European Union.
