Afghan Miner’s Death Unravels Illegal Mining Scheme in Northern Turkey

In a harrowing incident, a 50-year-old Afghan father of four met a tragic end in northern Turkey, shedding light on the perils of illegal coal mining operations. Vezir Mohammad Nourtani’s lifeless body, bearing burn marks, was discovered on November 11 in Zonguldak’s Black Sea province, according to Khaama Press.

However, startling revelations surfaced, indicating that Nourtani had actually died on November 9, concealed in the woods for two days before his remains were found, as revealed by autopsy reports. Six individuals, including mine proprietors Enver Gideroglu and Hakan Kornos, have been detained in connection with the case.

During the investigation, defendant Serkan Kayabas testified to informing mine owners after finding Nourtani unconscious, but the disturbing element surfaced when Hakan Kornos chose to transfer the injured miner in his car rather than seek emergency medical assistance.

The mine owners, Gideroglu and Kornos, resorted to threats to silence witnesses and prevent them from reporting the incident to the police. Testimonies from the suspects, reported by Khaama Press, unveiled the dark truth—Nourtani was killed to conceal the illicit mining activities from authorities.

Vezir Mohammad Nourtani had started working at the mine just a month before his untimely death. Meanwhile, the incident underscores the appalling conditions faced by Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries like Turkey, where access to basic amenities is often denied, exacerbating their already challenging circumstances. Many refugees additionally endure various forms of abuse, torture, and harassment, further complicating their quest for safety.