Akbelen Protestor Esra Işık to Face Trial April 27 Amid Custody Battle

The legal battle surrounding the Akbelen Forest continues as Esra Işık, a resident of İkizköy and daughter of the local headman, is set to face trial on April 27. Işık was arrested for protesting an expedited expropriation process initiated by Limak Holding, which aims to secure coal for its thermal power plant by acquiring land in six villages surrounding the Akbelen Forest. Her protest occurred during an expert examination conducted under gendarmerie escort, highlighting the contentious nature of the land acquisition.

Işık was charged with 'resisting an official from performing their duty' and subsequently transferred from Muğla Prison to a facility in İzmir, approximately 300 kilometers away. This transfer has raised concerns among her supporters and legal team. The Milas Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared an indictment, which has been accepted by the Milas 3rd High Criminal Court. The court has decided to maintain her detention pending trial.

Işık's lawyers have announced their intention to appeal the decision to keep her in custody. They emphasize that her words during the expert examination were directed at the company officials responsible for the environmental destruction, not the judicial members present. The legal team has pledged to continue their fight resolutely, asserting that their client's actions were a legitimate response to the ongoing environmental damage. This case underscores the broader conflict between local communities, environmental activists, and corporate interests in Turkey.

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Our objection to the court's decision to continue the detention will be made as soon as possible. We want to state once again that our client's words during the discovery were not addressed to members of the judiciary, but to company officials who have been destroying nature for years.