Riots in Türkiye after child abuser video surfaces

The Turkish city of Kayseri was plunged into chaos on Sunday, when anti-Syrian riots broke out and Syrian homes, businesses and cars were burnt. The unrest began after a video circulated online, allegedly showing a Syrian man abusing a 7-year-old girl. Footage from the scene shows a furious crowd chanting, while vehicles are overturned and buildings are set alight nearby. Shops and markets were destroyed before being set on fire, their goods seen scattered on the ground as crowds cheer and wave Turkish flags. Police say they have made dozens of arrests, while President Erdogan condemned the riots, saying, ‘nothing can be achieved by fueling xenophobia and hatred of refugees in society.’ Authorities, meanwhile, report that the alleged abuser has been arrested while the girl and her family have been placed under state protection where they will receive psychological support. Footage of retaliatory attacks against Turkish vehicles in Syria have since appeared, although some officials have denied a connection to the riot in Kayseri. Video from the town of Atareb, currently under the control of Turkish troops, showed people chanting against the Turkish army’s presence and throwing things at an armored vehicle. Other footage shows Turkish flags being torn down and burned, Syrian crowds enraged after what is becoming known as the ‘Kayseri incident.’