Turkish presidency releases disinformation bulletin for January 25-29

The bulletin, which noted that the allegation shared on some media outlets that “Asylum-seekers with temporary protection status under administrative detention in Gaziantep Oğuzeli Repatriation Centre are subjected to ill-treatment and forced to sign a 'voluntary repatriation form'“ did not reflect the truth.

In the bulletin, it is stated that 483 foreigners who were detained in different provinces and delivered or transferred to the Repatriation Centre were then transferred to the Hatay Apaydın Temporary Accommodation Centre in groups between 11-14 January following the conclusion of their administrative detention. It was also emphasized that all procedures carried out during the stay of foreigners in the Gaziantep Repatriation Centre were in accordance with the law.

In the bulletin, it is noted that the aforementioned forms are not a “Voluntary Repatriation Form” but the Administrative Surveillance Decision Form and the Entrustment Delivery Minute, which are required to be signed upon departure from the facility, and stated, “All units of the Repatriation Centre are monitored by a camera system. Furthermore, no unfavourable incidents occurred during the transfer of foreigners from the Gaziantep Repatriation Centre to the Hatay Apaydın Temporary Accommodation Centre.” (ILKHA)