Ankara: At least 12 migrants were found dead in a Turkish town near the border with Greece a week after a rare winter storm covered both countries in snow, according to officials.
According to CNN, both countries have blamed each other for the tragedy as it remains uncertain where the migrant came from and why were they stranded in the frigid conditions.
Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu on Wednesday tweeted blurred images that appeared to show the dead bodies of at least eight individuals, partially clothed and lying in the mud, CNN reported.
"12 of the 22 migrants pushed back by Greek Border Units, stripped off from their clothes and shoes have frozen to death. EU is remediless, weak and void of humane feelings. Greek border units thug against victims, tolerant towards FETO," he said.
Greek Immigration Minister Notis Mitarachi has rejected the allegation. In a statement, he said, "The death of 12 migrants on the Turkish border near Ipsala is a tragedy. But the truth behind this incident bears no resemblance to the false propaganda pushed out by my counterpart. Any suggestion they did, or indeed were pushed back into Turkey is utter nonsense. Rather than pushing out unfounded claims Turkey needs to live up to its obligations and work to prevent these dangerous journeys."
According to CNN, the 12 deceased migrants were part of a group of 22. The regional authorities said they are searching for the remaining migrants and have opened an investigation into incident. (UNI)
