PodcastBootleg alcohol claims 7 lives within 5 days in Istanbul amid soaring liquor prices
Some seven people died from consuming bootleg liquor this week in Turkey’s Istanbul. An additional eight people are still receiving treatment in the intensive care units.
Duvar English
The number of people who died from bootleg alcohol rose to seven in Turkey’s megacity Istanbul, ANKA News Agency reported on Nov. 30.
Some 15 people were poisoned with bootleg alcohol in Istanbul’s several districts in the last five days.
Eight people are still receiving treatment in the intensive care units.
Meanwhile, Turkish authorities detained 13 suspects regarding the production and sale of bootleg alcohol.
During the searches, they seized 410 liters of ethyl and methyl alcohol, 165 bottles of fake alcohol, and substances used in alcohol production.
As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has waged a war against alcohol and tobacco products, the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) extensive taxing of alcoholic beverages put domestic drinks at extravagant price points.
Critics say President Erdoğan and his AKP are imposing Islamic values on the country through steps such as steep tax hikes on alcohol and cigarettes.
In 2002, at the beginning of its tenure, the AKP introduced a “special consumption tax” (ÖTV) on alcohol and tobacco products in the name of "benefitting public health." During the AKP's reign, the tax has been increased several hundredfold.
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