A Glasgow journalist, who was badly beaten in a Turkish detention centre alongside another Scottish reporter, is pleading with the international community to rescue 101, including children, that are still there.
Sermad Al-Khafaji, 43, filmed people looking for asylum in Bulgaria from Turkey last month. He was accompanied by Alexandra Foreman, 34, from Cullen, Moray.
The refugees were made up of those from eight different countries but all of the same religion, had paperwork allowing them to pass, but many of the men were beaten by border police after they closed the Gates. Everyone was detained, including 22 children, reports the Daily Record.
Both Scottish reporters were locked up for more than a week. Sermad was badly beaten and Alexandra is still traumatised after the ordeal.
Read more: Lanarkshire couple has fingers and leg amputated after horror machete attack
She said: “It was like your worst nightmare coming true. People who were pleading were beaten with batons, men, and women. It was utterly terrifying.”
The refugees, from the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, were fleeing Algeria, Iran, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Thailand, Jordan, and Turkey because they were being persecuted for their faith.
Human rights groups had negotiated a move across the Turkish border into Bulgaria for the asylum seekers, who were expected to apply to move to other safe countries.
Speaking about the detention centre, Alexandra added: “It was like an open sewer. Food was inadequate. It was no good for the children and most of them became ill.”
Both of the journalists are delighted that they have returned home but could not forget those left behind.
She added: “They were in a terrible state when we were allowed to leave. I dread to think how much that will have deteriorated. They need our help.”
READ NEXT -
Nicola Sturgeon speaks outside Glasgow home for first time since arrest
Glasgow shopkeeper caught buying petrol before torching 'struggling' family business
