The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 30 asylum seekers after Greek authorities forced them into Turkey’s territorial waters, off the coast of Balikesir state, in the west of the country.
Anadolu Agency yesterday quoted Turkish security sources as saying that the coast guard had received a report about the presence of asylum seekers on a rubber boat off the coast of Ayvalik in the state of Balikesir.
The agency said the asylum seekers had been returned to the coast guard command on Gonda Island.
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.