In Istanbul, 19 people have died from methanol poisoning in the past three days, including seven Turkmen citizens. Turkish media reports that two suspects, who are also Turkmen citizens, have been detained on suspicion of selling counterfeit alcohol and a number of other crimes.
The deceased Turkmen citizens
Among the deceased are named: Agajan Byashimov, Rakhmatulla Artykov, Rovshen Seyitniyazov, Odil Alimov, Islambek Begov, Roza Kurambayeva and Erdinc Oksuzje. Byashimov and Artykov reportedly died on January 13, Seyitniyazov on January 14. These tragic events have attracted the attention of Turkish police, who have discovered additional deaths, although the exact dates of the others are not specified.
Investigation version
According to Turkish law enforcement agencies, the deceased Turkmens were labor migrants working in the Bakirkoy district. They bought alcohol from their compatriots near their workplace.
The suspects are named as Agajan O. and Amangul D. The police found 50 liters of counterfeit alcohol, drugs, pharmacy scales, fake IDs and a large number of medications in their home. Four Turkmen citizens who were living there illegally were also in their home.
Charges and investigation
The prosecutor’s office in the Küçükçekmece district is preparing charges under the following articles:
– causing death by negligence;
– illegal production and sale of alcohol;
– trafficking in drugs and unregistered medications;
– organizing illegal migration;
– forgery of documents.
Previous cases of tragedies involving Turkmens
This is not the first case of Turkmen citizens dying from counterfeit alcohol in Turkey. In 2020, more than 50 Turkmen died from poisoning while trying to protect themselves from the coronavirus with alcohol. In 2021, more than 20 deaths were reported, and in 2022, 284 bottles of counterfeit alcohol were confiscated from a Turkmen citizen.
Latest data
As of January 15, according to Anadolu Ajansi, a total of 65 people sought medical help, of which 19 died. Among them, in addition to Turkmens, there are citizens of Turkey and other countries. Three victims have already been discharged from hospitals, the rest are continuing treatment.
Testimonies of migrants
“Radio Azatlyk” spoke with a labor migrant from Turkmenistan living in Istanbul. He claims that the number of deaths may be higher than the official data:
“A total of 34 people died yesterday. “Four Turkmen, all from Kerki (Lebap province), were involved in selling counterfeit vodka,” the source said.
The tragedy highlights the serious risks associated with the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol, as well as the vulnerability of migrants who fall victim to such situations.
