Erdogan Blames Opposition for Rising Xenophobia Amid Anti-Syrian Violence

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused opposition parties of promoting xenophobia following violent riots in Kayseri, Turkiye, where Syrian refugee shops were set ablaze. The violence was sparked by an alleged case of harassment. Erdogan criticized the opposition's anti-refugee stance, as Turkiye hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

Amid a surge in anti-Syrian violence, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pointed fingers at the opposition, accusing them of inciting xenophobia and racism. His comments come in the wake of riots in Kayseri, where Syrian-owned shops were torched following allegations of harassment.

The unrest, which has led to the detention of at least 67 individuals, underscores the growing anti-migrant sentiment in Turkiye, as the country struggles with an economic downturn and houses 3.6 million Syrian refugees. Erdogan, in a televised address, condemned the opposition's 'poisonous discourse' and reiterated the compassionate stance Turkiye initially took during the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Opposition leader Umit Ozdag refuted Erdogan's claims, attributing the tensions to the government's flawed policies. The violent outbreak in Melikgazi has reverberated across northwestern Syria, affecting Turkish-Syrian relations, and sparking protests against Turkish convoys and facilities.

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