Türkiye rescues 44 irregular migrants pushed back by Greece

Irregular migrants found in rubber boat off Izmir's coast after being pushed back into Turkish territorial waters

By Zeynep Celikkol

IZMIR, Türkiye (AA) - The Turkish Coast Guard on Wednesday rescued 44 irregular migrants in the Aegean Sea off the country’s southwestern coast.

They were found in a rubber boat off the coast of Izmir’s Dikili district after being pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek forces.

A Turkish Coast Guard statement said the irregular migrants were moved to the provincial migration office.

Greece is the main route into the EU for asylum seekers arriving via Türkiye.

Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution in their countries.

Ankara and international human rights groups have 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 people, including women and children.

Kaynak:

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