48 Resisting in Cerattepe Sued

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Charges have been pressed against 48 people for opposing mining activities in Cerattepe district of Artvin province over “Opposing the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations and Obstructing Police”.

280 people have been called to testify within the scope of the prosecution launched by Arvtin Public Prosecution.

Eti Bakır A.Ş. (Eti Copper Corporation) incorporated in Cengiz Holding brought construction vehicles to the area in escort with gendarmerie for the copper mining planned on February 15.

The gendarmerie attacked with baton, pepper gas and plastic bullet on people upon them resisting on February 16 and the following days.

Attorney Bedrettin Kalın speaking to bianet said several investigation has been launched as to several of their press statements, and some of them are still ongoing.

Judicial process is continuing

Cerattepe is one of the most important 41 sites in Turkey, all of Artvin’s drinking water come from Cerattepe. There is Hatina National Park next to it, and Kafkasör Tourism Conservation and Development area under it. The area hosts 2,000 plant forms, 124 endemic forms, hundreds of animal forms.

First drilling works were launched in the area in 1987, people reacted against opening of the first gallery, and Green Artvin Association was found in 1995.

Ministry of Environment and Urbanization expressed a positive opinion to ÇED’s second report in 2013.

Rize Administrative Court overruled ÇED’s positive report in January 2015. However, the company has received another positive report from ÇED despite the ruling. A criminal complaint has been filed with the signature of 751 people and that examination of panel of experts has been awaited in these days.

Cengiz Holding is a partner of many controversial projects such as Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, three airports and Ilısu Dam.  (NV/TK)