Solidarity called for Esra Işık facing trial over Akbelen forest protests

Esra Işık, daughter of İkizköy village head Nejla Işık, is set to appear in court on charges of resisting and insulting a public official. Işık was arrested for her participation in peaceful protests against mining operations and urgent land expropriation decisions near the Akbelen Forest in Turkey's Muğla province.

The protests have centered on environmental concerns regarding the expansion of mining activities that threaten the Akbelen Forest. Işık was initially detained on March 30 and subsequently arrested. However, she was released on May 7, following a decision by the Council of State to suspend the urgent land expropriation order for the Akbelen region.

Environmental organizations have organized a call for solidarity, urging supporters to gather outside the Milas Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. on the day of her trial. Amnesty International has also announced its continued support for an urgent action campaign launched globally. The organization stated it would be present in Milas to follow the proceedings and the verdict of the trial firsthand.

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between local communities, environmental activists, and authorities over resource extraction and land use policies in the region. The Akbelen Forest has become a symbol of resistance against what many perceive as environmentally damaging development projects.