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ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday launched an investigation following media reports that 11 members of a Turkish folk dancing group were seeking asylum in Hungary.
The Hungarian Interior Ministry, however, told The Associated Press that members of the dance group did not apply for asylum in the country.
The Hurriyet newspaper and other Turkish media reported the dancers travelled to Budapest last month to take part in a dance event but did not return.
Anadolu Agency said prosecutors in Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday launched an investigation into 11 dancers from the 18-member troupe who were missing. Turkey's ministry for youth and sports also appointed inspectors to probe the alleged defections.
Hurriyet said motive for their possible defection wasn't immediately known. Turkey has arrested about 50,000 people following last year's failed coup attempt.
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