IT’S REPORTED THAT Turkish authorities have arrested four suspected human traffickers over the deaths of 12 Syrian migrants in two boat sinkings, including the 3-year-old boy whose image became a viral symbol of the tragedy of refugees
The four, all Syrian nationals aged between 30 and 41, are accused of “causing the death of more than one person” and “trafficking migrants”, the Dogan news agency reported.
They are to appear in court later today.
The shocking images surfaced yesterday and were carried on the front pages of most Irish newspapers today.
The pictures have ramped up the pressure on European leaders to address the growing catastrophe - putting a human face to the dangers faced by tens of thousands of desperate people risking life and limb to get to Europe.
Wearing a red T-shirt and blue shorts, toddler Aylan Kurdi is believed to be one of least 12 Syrians who died when their boat, overloaded with passengers, sank in an attempt to reach Greece.
Aylan, named by Turkish media, is reportedly from the town of Kobani in Syria, which has seen heavy fighting between Islamic State militants and Kurdish forces.
He was travelling with his family on a tiny boat built for four people.
The UK’s Independent reports that Aylan died alongside his five-year-old brother, Galip, and their mother, Rihan after the boat overturned in the middle of the night.
Photos of happier times between the two brothers have emerged today, showing Aylan and Galip laughing while holding a teddy bear.
With reporting from AFP.
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