Work Begins in Akbelen Forest Despite Court Order Halting Expansion

Work has commenced in the Akbelen Forest for the expansion of coal mining operations, despite a stay-of-execution order issued by the Council of State. The expansion plan involves the urgent expropriation of agricultural lands in several neighborhoods surrounding the forest, a move that has sparked strong opposition from local residents.

A lawsuit was filed by 96 citizens seeking to halt and annul the expropriation decision. Although the court had initiated an expert examination process, and the Council of State's 6th Chamber had issued a stay of execution, work machines were observed operating in the area. The village head, Nejla Işık, shared videos of the machinery, expressing her outrage.

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They are disturbing our villagers, our children, our elderly, our bedridden people, just 10 meters from our homes. If one of us is buried under these houses, who will we hold responsible? The villagers are wrong, let the villagers sink into the ground. Our children are at home on this Sunday. We have elderly sick people. People are going to weddings, holidays. These people are persecuting the villagers. Is there no official to tell them to stop?

“They are disturbing our villagers, our children, our elderly, our bedridden people, just 10 meters from our homes,” Işık stated, questioning who would be held responsible if residents were harmed. “The villagers are wrong, let the villagers sink into the ground. Our children are at home on this Sunday. We have elderly sick people. People are going to weddings and holidays. These people are persecuting the villagers. Is there no official to tell them to stop?”

Işık emphasized the court's order, which prohibits approaching within 60 meters of homes. “We have a stay-of-execution decision from the court, it says 'you cannot approach within 60 meters of houses.' Where are those who enforce court decisions?” she asked, appealing for intervention.

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We have a stay-of-execution decision from the court, it says 'you cannot approach within 60 meters of houses.' Where are those who enforce court decisions?