Protest in Kadıköy Against ‘Green Road’ Project
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Fırtına (Storm) Initiative has organized a demonstration in Kadıköy district of İstanbul against the “Green Road” project which will connect highlands of Samsun, Bayburt, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Ordu, Rize, Trabzon and Artvin provinces with a 2,600-km road as part of developing tourism in the Black Sea.
Volunteers from Fırtına Initiative, Freedom and Solidarity Party (ÖDP) Co-Chair Alper Taş and residents of the district supported the protest in front of Süreya Opera House.
The protesters recalled the motion for stay of execution adopted by the State Council and called on for solidarity with the fight against the Green Road project.
"Stay of execution motion granted by State Council"
— Beyza Kural (@b__yaz) 13 Ekim 2016
* Video: Ozan Ünel / bianet
The first motion for stay of execution of the Green Road, whose official names is “Inter-Highlands Connection Road”, was granted in July 2015 as a result of the lawsuit filed by Environment and Ecology Movement (ÇEHAV).
Execution of road construction regarding 16,367-meter square forestry area located between Kaçkar Mountains National Park in Çamlıhemşin and Haczane highlands was stopped by Riza Administrative Court.
The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) Foundation had appealed to Council of State, Plenary Session of Administrative Law Divisions on August 24, 2015 and the Council of State had partially accepted the objection on October 15, 2015.
Construction activities of “Green Road” project, which will connect highlands of Samsun, Bayburt, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Ordu, Rize, Trabzon and Artvin provinces with a 2,600-km road as part of developing tourism in the Black Sea, had resumed.
Following the announcement that the Green Road construction had begun at Yukarı Kavron, 11 of the life defenders going to the area were taken into custody in Rize.
"How can Ministry ignore court decisions so easily?"
Recalling the stay of execution motion of the State Council, Gökçe Yılmaz speaking on behalf of the initiative has addressed following questions:
"The 600-page Eastern Black Sea Master Plan explains the Green Road project only in three-four pages. There is no concrete information besides that. Even though there is no project designated by the Ministry, why insist on the construction of the road?
"Why do administrative and security forces still insist on continuing the construction works? How can the Ministry ignore court decisions so easily?
"Why were those who did not use violence but took their strength from the law and nature have been taken into custody?
"In a season in which people don't go to the highlands anymore, what is the hurry scurry?" (BK/DG)