Women From Cerattepe Protest With Drums

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Mining activities planned to be put in action in Cerattepe region of Artvin have been protested by Artvin Women’s Solidarity Platform.

Approximately 1,000 persons that gathered in Halitpaşa Intersection yesterday (March 2) have marched in protest of mining activities by playing accordions and drums, blowing whistles, and banging pots and pans in İnönü neighbourhood Cumhuriyet street.

For 20 years people have been fighting against planned gold, copper, zinc and silver mining in  Cerattepe which has one of the richest vegetations on earth, Kafkasor plateau and Genya mountain.

Security forces wanted to enter the area on the days following February 17 and attacked people who resisted. Prime Minister Ahmet Necdet Davutoğlu has held a meeting with a committee from Cerattepe and has announced that the works had been suspended till the judicial process  reaches a conclusion. The board of expert will make an examination on March 14.

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

Photographs: Tusuf Okur - Artvin/Anadolu News Agency (AA)