Attack against People Opposing Copper Mine in Artvin

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Security forces have attacked with pepper gas on people keeping watch since June 21, 2015 against copper mine plans in Cerattepe area of Artvin province.

People of Artvin conducting active and legal struggle against the mine for 20 years had lastly have the positive decision of Environmental Effect Evaluation (ÇED) cancelled. Despite the new positive ÇED report, a criminal complaint has be

en filed with the signature of 750 people and that examination of panel of experts has been awaited.

“Intervention is unlawful”

Neşe Karahan from Green Artvin Association speaking to bianet has explained the situation as follows:

“We received the information that there would be an intervention last night. That is why our watch maintains as of 8. Reinforcements have arrived from neighboring provinces such as Ordu, Trabzon, Erzurum.

“CHP (People’s Republican Party) MP Uğur Bayraktan is here as well. He met with the minister and the governor. They say they give half an hour for the intervention.

“Legal process is ongoing at the moment. We await examination of panel of experts. The company can in no way intervene in there, it is unlawful. Security forces protects construction equipment of the company. However, people of Artvin resist it”.

Struggle of 20 years

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 750 people and that examination of panel of experts has been awaited in these days. (NV/TK)