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Large-Scaled Deportation of Georgian People Is Going on in Turkey

December 21, 2006

deportirebulebi.gifIn Batumi, near the Turkish Consulate, permanent demonstrations are being held by Georgian citizens deported from Turkey. On December 19, deported people gathered in front of the consulate and demanded to meet the Turkish Consul for an explanation of their deportations.

"Turkish police arrested 25 people for uncertain reasons in the streets of Istanbul and kept them in prison for eight days. They checked our documents and told us that everything was in order. However, instead of releasing us, they took us to the border and deported us. They did not tell us whether we had committed a crime, nor did they tell us how long a time we would be barred from Turkey," said deportee Tamaz Kiladze.

"Russia does not accept Georgian people, and now Turkey also expels us. Let the government explain to us what should we do?" said desperate Guram Abdulishi, who had been importing products from Turkey for many years.

The deportees tried to meet Georgian government representatives several time, but the only mechanism for complaining was the Batumi branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was abolished on December 14.

Consulate General of Turkey does not comment. According to an officer of the Consulate General's security guard, the Consul was not in the office. Turkey began deporting Georgians in November.

On November 15, eight Georgian citizens were returned from the Sarfi Customs. On November 21, 125 Georgians were arrested at the border crossing of Khofa Fashi without any motivation and sent back to Georgia. On November 25, twenty-five Georgians were expelled from Istanbul. According to the deported people, they were arrested and released without any court hearing…

Officials from the government of Adjara do not make official comments regarding the deportations. However, under the Georgian Constitution, the government is obliged to protect its citizens.

Sofo Zhghenti, Batumi 

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