This Photo Shows a Robber Captured in Ukraine, Not in Turkey
The Claim
A photo shows a looter tied up to a column in a Turkish street after robbing houses following the recent earthquake.
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Following the recent earthquake that struck Turkey, Syria, and other nearby countries, social media users circulated a photo purporting to show a looter tied up to a column in Turkey as a punishment after robbing houses.
The photo has gone viral in Turkish and Arabic.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar's team found the photo making the rounds to be outdated.
Photo of the Robber Is from Ukraine, Not Turkey
Contrary to viral claims, the viral photo is from Ukraine.
On February 27, 2022, a Twitter user published the same photo under the title, “looter detained in #Kyiv.”
The photo was also published in different media outlets at the time.
According to Ukraine's defense ministry, the photo and other footage show Russian soldiers who were caught by security cameras stealing food and fuel.
Russian troops were allegedly spotted looting grocery stores near the northeastern city of Konotop earlier.
Kyiv's mayor issued a decree directing the Ukrainian military to execute anyone caught robbing neighborhood stores and businesses.
Turkey to Act Against Looters After the Earthquake
On February 6, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria.
Al Jazeera reports that the earthquake has claimed more than 46,000 lives.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated that the government would take action against looters and other crimes in the region struck by the terrible earthquakes as the issue of security there came into focus.
After a visit to the disaster area, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced, "We've declared a state of emergency. It means that, from now on, the people who are involved in looting or kidnapping should know that the state's firm hand is on their backs."
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