PodcastCengiz Holding continues tree-cutting in western Turkey's Kaz Mountains despite court order
Cengiz Holding, known for its close ties to the Turkish government, has continued tree-cutting in the western Kaz Mountains for a copper mine project despite a court order halting operations. Environmental activists decried nine days of destruction.
Duvar English
Cengiz Holding, on Jan. 18, continued tree-cutting for its copper mine project in western Turkey's Kaz (Ida) Mountains, despite a court ruling that halted operations, according to a report by the daily BirGün.
Füsun Kayra from the Kaz Mountains Ecology Platform said tree-cutting had persisted for nine days despite the court ruling prohibiting mining activities in the area. "Every type of machinery is operating here—trucks, cutters, excavators. It’s an unbelievable destruction," Kayra stated.
Kayra stated that they called the gendarmerie to document the activities in the area, but no one came.
She explained that when they approached the prosecutor to file a criminal complaint with video evidence, the prosecutor dismissed the issue, saying, "This is not a judicial matter; it doesn’t concern me."
They submitted a petition to the governor’s office and met with the deputy governor, requesting that the activities in the area be halted. "They are not taking any action either," Kayra added.
She expressed frustration, stating, "We cannot find any institution or organization in Turkey that will enforce a fair and just court decision. Regardless, we will file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office."
The Kazdağları Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Assets discovered, through a public information request, that the licensed operation area exceeded the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) boundaries. The association filed a lawsuit for the cancellation of the operating license.
A local court on Jan. 9 issued an interim ruling suspending operations, stating that the licensed area could not exceed the EIA boundaries.
Following the court's decision, the Kazdağları Association released a statement: "We are very pleased with this ruling. We await the court's decision to cancel the operating license. Mining activities for the Halilağa Gold-Copper Mine Project must be stopped immediately. We call on responsible institutions to act and halt mining activities."
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