World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Turkey detains 34 Russian women in Ankara nightclub raids
Turkish authorities detained 34 Russian women in nightclub raids in Ankara on October 23, citing alleged violations of morality and public safety.
The women are being held at a deportation center and are expected to have a court hearing soon.
Russia’s Embassy in Turkey says it has sought consular access, information about the reasons for their detention and details about their conditions.
A Telegram channel called Baza reported that more than 100 women were detained, but that figure has not been independently verified.
Baza also reported that some women were recruited for nightclub jobs and then allegedly forced to encourage customers to spend money; these claims have not been independently verified.
A similar Ankara operation in April detained 38 women, and alleged organizers were later reported arrested and charged with human trafficking.
Turkish authorities detained 34 Russian women during nightclub raids in Ankara on October 23.
The women are reportedly being held at a deportation center while they await a court hearing.
The Russian Embassy said Turkish authorities cited alleged violations of morality and public safety.
The embassy said it took steps to secure consular access and clarify the reasons for the detentions and the women’s conditions.
Reports that more than 100 women were detained and forced into work at clubs have not been independently verified by The Moscow Times.
- Who
- Turkish authorities detained 34 Russian women.
- What
- The women were detained during raids on nightclubs and reportedly face deportation.
- When
- October 23; the reports were published on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Nightclubs in Ankara, Turkey.
- Why
- Turkish authorities cited alleged violations of morality and public safety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A similar Ankara operation led to the detention of 38 women, including 11 Russian citizens.
Turkish authorities detained 34 Russian women during nightclub raids in Ankara.
Meduza and The Moscow Times published reports on the detentions.
- Women detained
- 34 Russian women
- Detention date
- October 23
- Location
- Ankara, Turkey
- Reported holding location
- Deportation center in Ankara
- Earlier similar operation
- 38 women detained in April, including 11 Russian citizens
2 sources
What people are saying
The Russian Embassy in Turkey took measures to secure consular access to the citizens, clarify the reasons for their detention and assess their holding conditions.