More than 30 Russian women face deportation from Turkey on charges of violating public order and morality after being detained during police raids on nightclubs in Ankara, Russia’s Embassy in Turkey told state media on Wednesday.
The 34 women were detained on Oct. 23, according to the TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies. They are reportedly being held at a deportation center in Ankara as they await a court hearing.
“The Russian Embassy in Turkey took measures to secure consular access to the citizens, clarify the reasons for their detention and assess their holding conditions,” both outlets quoted the diplomatic mission as saying.
Turkish law enforcement authorities confiscated the women’s mobile phones but allowed them to contact their relatives via landline phones. They are said to be represented by local legal counsel.
The Baza Telegram news channel, which has links to Russia’s security services, reported that more than 100 women primarily from post-Soviet countries were detained in Turkey amid the nightclub raids.
Citing one of the women’s friends, Baza reported that they were originally recruited abroad with promises of up to $2,500 in monthly salaries, work visas and accommodation in five-star hotels to perform as dancers, singers and DJs at nightclubs.
However, the women were allegedly later forced to coerce guests into purchasing expensive drinks and spending time with patrons.
The Moscow Times could not independently verify Baza’s report.
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