Violence erupted in Kayseri, central Türkiye, as enraged mobs vandalized foreign-owned shops and homes on Monday, following allegations of sexual abuse involving a Syrian national and a 7-year-old Syrian child.

The unrest began late Sunday night in several neighborhoods of Kayseri's Melikgazi district after 26-year-old I.A. was reportedly caught sexually abusing his 7-year-old cousin, M.A., in a public restroom. The incident triggered widespread anger, leading to riots where properties belonging to foreigners were damaged, including shops and vehicles being stoned and set on fire.

Law enforcement responded with a large deployment of police officers, emergency teams, and firefighters to quell the violence. Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to 14 officers and a firefighter.

Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek addressed the public, urging calm and promising action against the perpetrator and his family. "I understand your anger, but such acts of violence will not be tolerated," Çiçek assured from a balcony overlooking the scene.

Police Chief Atanur Aydın pledged to expedite deportation proceedings for the suspect and his relatives, aiming to swiftly address community concerns.

According to local sources, nine individuals, including the suspect and the victim's relatives, were taken to a provincial deportation center. Subsequently, another Syrian national was detained in connection with the abuse.

The Kayseri Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident, including monitoring of social media for provocative posts related to the unrest.

In response to the incident, the Family and Social Services Ministry provided state protection and psychological support to the victim, M.A., and her family.

Meanwhile, nationalist sentiments among certain political factions, including the Good Party (IP), have escalated, with some leaders exploiting the incident to advocate against refugees and migrants in Türkiye.

Türkiye, which hosts over 4 million refugees, including 3.6 million Syrians under temporary protection, has faced increasing tensions involving refugees in recent years, particularly amid economic challenges and political discourse ahead of elections.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has maintained a stance advocating for a political solution to the Syrian crisis and the voluntary return of Syrian refugees under dignified conditions. (ILKHA)