Police Blocks Migrants' March, Opposition Mps Arrive For İnspection

Turkish police has blocked once again the way of migrants marching to Bulgarian border gate in western province of Edirne, after days of standoff with riot police on the road and roadsides from Istanbul, on Sep. 21.

Meanwhile, the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) General Vice President Sezgin Tanrıkulu and MP Mustafa Balbay arrived at the scene to receive information from police officers.

Meanwhile, the police officers intervened the group with shields and detained some of the protesters in Avcılar district, chanting slogans and attempting to advance on the highway.

Hundreds have headed to Edirne since Sept.15, camped overnight for days and then left the area in buses provided by local authorities, following the call of Turkey's PM Ahmet Davutoğlu.

On Sep. 21, riot police officers stopped the group walking by TEM highway, in Avcılar district. Following the refusal of police, the group held a sit-in at the side road.

Police teams told CHP representatives, they would not allow the group to pass and that the migrants should go back to where they have come from within the Turkish borders.

Tanrıkulu told reporters, "This is one of the worst humanitarian plights of history. Now we are among these people who do not even predict how long it would take to reach Edirne on foot. This journey is not of hope, it is a journey to the unbeknown.

While the migrants are encircled by the police teams, reporters are not allowed to enter the scene any more.

The TEM highway's side road that has also been closed was reopened to traffic after half an hour, recently.

The CHP's Tanrıkulu and Baydar, following their visit, have recently departed for Edirne.

(Photo) - İstanbul

Mustafa Balbay Avcılar Politika Güncel Haberler