Street vendor sparks outrage after hurling Syrian toddler to ground in İzmir

İZMİR

A street vendor has sparked outrage in Turkey after security footage emerged showing him picking up and throwing to the ground a Syrian toddler in a historic bazaar in the western city of İzmir. 

The video shows the man hurling the toddler to the ground, causing his head to smash against the ground. 

The street vendor is then seen being challenged by outraged shoppers and tradespeople in the bazaar, before he leaves the scene of the incident.

İzmir Governor Mustafa Toprak has told the state-run Anadolu Agency that he has given orders to the security authorities to take the necessary measures to find the perpetrator. 

“This is unacceptable. I watched the footage with deep sorrow and ordered the security forces to do what needs to be done. The public prosecutor’s office will launch an investigation,” Toprak added.