Turkiye's Leader Accuses Opposition of Fueling Racism After Riots

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused opposition parties of promoting xenophobia and racism on Monday. This statement came a day after residents in central Turkiye's Melikgazi region set Syrian-owned shops on fire. The violence erupted late Sunday following allegations that a Syrian refugee had sexually harassed a 7-year-old Syrian girl.

Outraged residents overturned cars and set shops ablaze, demanding Syrians leave the area. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on social media platform X that at least 67 people suspected of involvement in the violence were detained. Erdogan, in a televised address, blamed opposition parties for inciting violence by advocating for the repatriation of refugees.

Anti-Migrant Sentiment and Government Response

"Nothing can be achieved by fuelling xenophobia and hatred of refugees in society," Erdogan said, accusing the opposition of spreading "poisonous discourse." When Syria's civil war began in 2011, Turkiye welcomed hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. However, as the refugee population grew to 3.6 million and economic difficulties increased, anti-migrant sentiment has risen.

The alleged abuser in the Melikgazi incident was arrested, and the girl, her siblings, and mother were placed under state protection. They will receive psychological support. Umit Ozdag, leader of Turkiye's anti-migration Victory Party, rejected Erdogan's accusations and blamed the government's "privileged" treatment of Syrian refugees for the tensions.

Reactions in Syria

The violence in Melikgazi sparked backlash in opposition-held areas of northwestern Syria, including regions controlled by Turkish-backed forces. In Aleppo province, near the Turkish border, dozens gathered at a main roundabout in al-Rai to block Turkish convoys and trucks from entering al-Bab city. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported these events.

Videos on social media showed young men and boys carrying rocks and sticks chasing a truck with Turkish writing. Demonstrators also chased employees out of a Turkish post office in Azaz city. In some areas, protesters clashed with local security forces.

Calls for Protection

The Syrian National Army, a coalition of armed Syrian opposition groups backed by Turkiye, urged residents to "avoid being drawn in by seditionists who seek to sabotage our institutions." Tensions have been rising over an apparent rapprochement between Ankara and Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. This includes plans to open a crossing between government-held areas and those held by Turkish-backed opposition forces in Aleppo.

The al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group's "salvation government" issued a statement calling on Turkiye to "assume its legal and moral responsibilities to protect Syrian refugees." Similar anti-Syrian riots occurred in 2021 in an Ankara neighbourhood after a Turkish teenager was stabbed by young Syrians. Hundreds chanted anti-immigrant slogans, vandalised Syrian-run shops, and hurled rocks at refugees' homes.

The situation remains tense as both sides navigate complex political and social dynamics. The government's response will be crucial in addressing these issues while maintaining public order.