CHP, HDP warn against racism after attacks on refugees in Ankara

Photos: HDP, AA

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Opposition leaders have warned against racism after yesterday's (August 11) attacks on Syrian refugees in the capital city of Ankara.

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said that they will send refugees back to their countries "without being racist" when they assume power.

"I'll send my Syrian brothers and sisters without being racist, without being unfair to them and after building their homes, schools, hospitals and kindergartens. I'll do it within two years at the latest," he said during a speech in the eastern province of Van, which is currently the main entry point for Afghan refugees who have been fleeing the Taliban.

On Twitter, Kılıçdaroğlu wrote, "We'll settle accounts with those who are responsible for this, not with the victims. Don't let them provoke you. We'll happily send off our guests."

In the last two days, hundreds of locals in Altındağ district in Ankara, the capital, attacked the homes and businesses of Syrian refugees after an 18-year-old man stabbed to death in a fight with refugees. Dozens of people have been detained after yesterday's attacks.

CLICK - Refugees targeted following a fight in Ankara's Altındağ

CLICK - Attacks on Syrian refugees' homes, shops continue in Turkey's capital on the second day

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Spokesperson Ebru Günay also talked about the attacks at a press conference today, saying that racism is becoming more and more dangerous.

"The racism they fueled has grown so much that it's not limited to Kurds now. It also targets dissidents, refugees, and those who think differently.

"This racism is becoming more and more dangerous. Ignited for days, xenophobia claimed a life in Ankara's Altındağ district. A citizen named Emirhan Yalçın was a victim of this sedition.

"What happened in Altındağ is a part of the planned chaos and we call on our citizens not to be a part of this plan and to act prudently and sensibly.

"We invite all democratic powers to prevent a possible conflict and combat xenophobia, especially against refugees." (AS/DŞ/VK)