Turkey: Russian tourist detained for trying to leave with “historically significant” stone bought from vendor

Posted on July 6, 2013 • Filed under: Border Crossings, Mediterranean, Tourist Arrested

According to pravda.ru, a Russian tourist from Barnaul, Leonid Gerasimov, faces up to 12 years in prison for attempting to transport a precious stone across the border of Turkey, his wife Alyona Gerasimov said. Leonid Gerasimov, his wife and their daughter were living near the historic town of Side. One day, during an excursion, the couple visited a market of souvenirs. Leonid bought the stone for $10 from one of the market vendors. On June 25, Gerasimov was detained by the customs; the stone was taken away from him. The man’s wife and daughter were allowed to board the plane to fly back to Russia. Leonid was forced to stay in Turkey. Read article

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