Turkey rescues 112 asylum seekers pushed back by Greece

By Gokhan Duzyol and Safak Yel

AYDIN/IZMIR, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces rescued at least 112 asylum seekers Wednesday who were pushed back into Turkey’s territorial waters by Greek forces.

Acting on a tip-off, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 87 asylum seekers off the coast of Kusadasi district in Aydin province, according to a statement by the Coast Guard Command.

Separately, 25 asylum seekers pushed back by Greek authorities were rescued in Izmir province’s Cesme district by the Turkish Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Command said on its website.

They were transferred to the provincial migration office.

Turkey has repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice of pushing back asylum seekers, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

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

*Writing by Gozde Bayar