Russia’s embassy confirms detention of 34 women in Ankara raids

Russia’s Embassy in Turkey said on 4 November that 34 Russian women were detained during police raids on Ankara nightclubs on 23 October. The embassy told Russian state media that they face deportation on charges of violating public order and morality.

The women are reportedly being held at an Ankara deportation center while they await a court hearing.

Consular and legal access

The embassy said it had taken measures to secure consular access, establish why the women were detained and assess their holding conditions.

Turkish authorities confiscated the women’s mobile phones but allowed them to call relatives on landlines, The Moscow Times said. The women are also said to have local legal counsel.

Recruitment account

Baza, a news channel with links to Russia’s security services, said more than 100 women, mostly from post-Soviet countries, were detained in the raids. Citing a friend of one of the women, it said they had been recruited abroad to work as dancers, singers and DJs, with promises of monthly pay of up to $2,500, work visas and accommodation in five-star hotels.

Baza alleged that the women were later forced to pressure guests into buying expensive drinks and spending time with patrons. The Moscow Times said it could not independently verify Baza’s account.