Turkey fines resident 115,000 lira for hanging protest posters against mining

A resident in Turkey's Giresun province has been hit with a hefty 115,000 Turkish lira administrative fine for hanging posters to invite people to a protest against mining operations. Mesut Yılmaz, a resident of Sekü village known for his opposition to mining, stated that the fine, issued by the Doğankent Municipality, is not merely for hanging posters but is a direct consequence of the community's struggle against the Alagöz Mining company.

Yılmaz expressed his anger and disbelief, questioning the municipality's actions. "We are aware that this is being applied because of the reactions we showed against Alagöz Maden," he said. "You will give a citizenship award to the company that dries up our streams and pollutes our drinking water sources, and then you will impose this fine on those who fight for their homeland's soil and water?"

The Alagöz Mining company's efforts to expand its operations into Sekü and Karlıbel villages have sparked widespread local protests. Residents are concerned about the potential damage to water resources, streams, agricultural lands, and their overall living environment. These concerns have led to protests and rallies, with the community vowing to continue their fight.

Adding to the controversy, the mayor of Doğankent, an AKP member, has reportedly supported the mining company and its owner, AKP Iğdır Deputy Cantürk Alagöz. The mayor's proposal to grant Alagöz honorary citizenship has further fueled the environmentalists' anger. Meanwhile, the Alagöz Mining company has a history of environmental violations, having previously been fined approximately 2.5 million Turkish lira for discharging polluted wastewater directly into a stream for the third time.