Soldiers detained after video reveals beating of refugees illegally crossing Turkish border


The Turkish General Staff said Sunday that soldiers have been detained over a video depicting them beating Syrians who were trying to cross the border illegally.The statement released by the General Staff said that administrative and procedural action has been initiated against the soldiers over their "unacceptable" treatment of the illegal migrants.The Syrians trying to enter the country were deported after undergoing medical examinations.On Friday, a video showing Turkish soldiers beating and abusing the refugees caught at the border caused an uproar on social media.

The video was seen in Germany, according to Turkish authorities who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

A grand jury investigating the matter, confirmed the video was sent by a border guard to Germany via the WhatsApp massaging service, authorities said

The video was described as "meaningful" and a "conscious act made in order to cause trouble and weaken Turkey and Turkish Armed Forces", according to authorities.

Since the Syrian civil war started in 2011, more than 3 million refugees have fled their country to seek safe haven in Turkey. Turkey has spent around $25 billion helping and sheltering refugees during this time.