Shvan Mohammed Mahmood

Shvan Mohammed Mahmood, 33

Shvan is a 33-year-old Iraqi man. He had been in Turkey for a few days when, on July 24, 2024, he decided to leave with a group of 9 people to cross the Bulgarian border, accompanied by 2 guides.

However, the Bulgarian police intercepted the group and pushed them back over the Turkish border on July 27. In addition to suffering from diabetes, Shvan had a screw surgically implanted in his tibia after fracturing it a few months earlier. The journey on foot through the border woods was long, and as the hours passed, the pain in his leg became unbearable. Shvan could no longer walk, and the guides decided to continue, leaving him behind in a desolate area not far from Malkoçlar.

Shvan’s father, Mohammad, not hearing from his son, decided to go to Turkey in person. On September 4th, he went to the Edirne Detention Centre to search for his son, bringing along a photo. Some detainees claimed to have seen him, but they said he had been transferred elsewhere. The police refused to provide Mohammad with any information, denied him access to the camp, and asked him not to return. After five days, unable to receive any logistical or legal support, the father returned to Iraq.

Months have passed, and Shvan’s sister writes that their mother has not stopped crying.

A detail from the letter written by the father, seeking help in the search for his son.