Rabat – Turkish judicial authorities have arrested three individuals for forcing three Moroccan women to prostitute in Antakya.
The arrest followed an investigation carried out by the Hatay Provincial Gendarmerie Command, Antakya District Gendarmerie Command, and the Anti-Immigrant Smuggling Directorate to identify the suspects of human and drug trafficking, according to the Turkish newspaper Korfez.
Citing a statement by the Hatay Governor’s Office, Korfez reported that the suspects were caught red-handed and immediately placed in custody.
One of them was a woman who forced the Moroccan nationals into prostitution through the use of force and torture, the newspaper noted, adding that the female suspect resides in Serinyol District and has a record of human trafficking and encouraging prostitution.
Read Also: Morocco Dismantles Forced Prostitution, Blackmail Network in Al Hoceima
The victims of the criminal network were brought from Morocco with the promise of finding a job. But their passports were confiscated once they entered Turkey, and they were turned into drug addicts and forced into prostitution in exchange for money. Physical violence was also used against them.
The Turkish authorities confirmed that the victims were released after giving their testimonies. They were then taken to a psychologist specializing in human trafficking cases.
Meanwhile, the three suspects were transferred to the prison after their arrest.
Turkey and Gulf states have been common countries where Moroccan nationals are either forced to prostitute or willingly practice prostitution. Concerns for the safety of these individuals and the reputation of Moroccans with no connection or association to such activities but living in the same countries have been central in social conversations.
