A British stand-up comedian has been arrested and detained in Turkey after allegedly forgetting to pay for items at a Zara store. Cerys Nelmes, a former firefighter from the Cotswolds, was taken into custody on Tuesday, July 22, following the incident.
In a Facebook video, Nelmes explained that she left the store without paying but returned immediately to hand back the items and offer payment. Despite this, she was held in a locked room before being taken to a police station, where she claims she was denied food and toilet facilities and struggled to communicate for water.
Nelmes appeared before a judge and was told via a translator that she faces up to three years in prison. She was released but is unable to leave Turkey for an unspecified period. She expressed fears of losing her home, which she shares with her son, due to being unable to work.
The Foreign Office confirmed it is providing assistance to a British national in Turkey. Nelmes has urged people to share her story, stating she made an 'embarrassing mistake' and is running out of medication.
