After being held by Turkish authorities in Gaziantep since April 20, 2017, eleven International Medical Corps staff members, all of whom are Syrians that were working to provide aid to their fellow refugees in need, have been released from detention. All have been allowed to return to their homes in Turkey.
On April 20, fifteen International Medical Corps team members holding current Turkish work permits were detained by Turkish authorities in Gaziantep. Four foreign nationals were deported to their home countries, but the eleven Syrian nationals remained in detention.
International Medical Corps continuously worked to secure the release of these staff members, and we are grateful they have been reunited with their loved ones and colleagues in Turkey. We ask for privacy for these individuals and their families.
International Medical Corps has been working in support of the Turkish government’s efforts to provide relief to Syrian refugees and host communities since 2012.