Chaos in Turkey Amid Curfew in Major Cities: Bread Lines Form and People Fight

Chaos reigns in Turkey as a curfew has been declared in major cities. Long lines for bread have formed, and people have resorted to fighting among themselves, reports EAD Daily. The government announced a restriction on leaving homes just two hours before midnight yesterday.

The fine for violating the curfew is 2,500 lira (approximately $363). Soon after the announcement, officials attempted to clarify that bakeries and pharmacies would remain open, but it was too late. Panic-stricken citizens rushed out to buy food, leading to a surge in demand.

Shoppers stormed into stores, and altercations were unavoidable amid the confusion and chaos. According to epidemiological analyses, the rate of disease transmission in Turkey is very high. The latest figures published by the Ministry of Health indicate that the number of COVID-19 cases has exceeded 47,000, with 1,006 fatalities and over 14,000 individuals in quarantine.

Turkish Parliament member Garo Paylan, of Armenian descent, criticized the government's mishandling of the crisis on his Twitter page, stating, “Bad governance, panic, disgrace. If they had any shame, they would resign.”

More details in the video.