2023-09-18 07:24:00
Young Belgians from Antwerp are currently detained in Turkey following being arrested at the airport as they were preparing to return to Belgium, Flemish media report. They are suspected by the Turkish authorities of having been guilty of smuggling archaeological objects.
During their stay in Turkey, the couple had picked up three stones on a vacant lot in Manavgat, known for its waterfalls. They wanted to keep a souvenir and put it in their aquarium, details Het Laatste Nieuws.
At the airport, the explanations of the twenty-somethings apparently did not convince the police who decided to deprive them of their freedom. They were therefore not allowed to take their flight. “They took fingerprints and photos, as if I was a criminal,” explains Kim. She adds that they had to spend long hours there before being taken to court where, once more, the wait was interminable.
The two Belgians are currently not authorized to leave Turkish territory and must present themselves every week to prove that they are still there. They are awaiting a more in-depth investigation which should shed light on this matter.
On site, no explanation was given to them and the couple is still in limbo. The two lovers don’t know when they will be able to return home. “We have to wait for our trial,” they say.
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