50 people detained in IMM operation: Nuri Aslan points to Kanal Istanbul

A simultaneous dawn operation was carried out in 3 provinces as part of an investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). As a result of the operation, 50 out of 53 people for whom detention warrants were issued have been taken into custody.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan made a statement regarding the operation carried out against the IMM in the morning hours.

"A WORRYING PICTURE"

Underlining that ISKI General Manager Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Başa and his colleagues were working to take effective measures against the uncontrolled construction intensifying in the Sazlıdere Dam basin, Aslan stated, "We are deeply saddened by the targeting of our teams working in areas of vital importance for Istanbul, such as urban planning, infrastructure, and disaster management. They were defending the city's water security against projects that threaten Sazlıdere in the future. The Sazlıdere Dam is not only very important for Istanbul's present, but it is also a strategic water source that carries the risk of disappearing if controversial projects like Kanal Istanbul are implemented. The disruption of these efforts creates a worrying picture in terms of Istanbul's right to water and its environmental future."

"WE STAND WITH THOSE DETAINED"

Stating that "These developments do not only lead to individual grievances, but also harm the institutional functioning of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the services provided to the city's residents," Aslan continued his words as follows:

"The detention procedures carried out in the early hours of the morning also create severe traumatic effects on families. Yet, all of these public officials are responsible individuals who are ready to testify when called. As the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, we stand with the families of our detained executives. As an institution, our support is full."

The full text of Aslan's statement is as follows:

"On March 19, our Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu and his colleagues were detained and subsequently arrested. This morning, detention warrants were executed for our executives and expert staff working in various units of our municipality. We are deeply saddened by the targeting of our teams working in areas of vital importance for Istanbul, such as urban planning, infrastructure, and disaster management. These colleagues of ours are individuals who carry out their duties entirely within the legal framework and by observing the public interest. These developments do not only lead to individual grievances, but also harm the institutional functioning of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the services provided to the city's residents. The detention procedures carried out in the early hours of the morning also create severe traumatic effects on families. Yet, all of these public officials are responsible individuals who are ready to testify when called. As the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, we stand with the families of our detained executives. As an institution, our support is full.”

EMPHASIS ON KANAL ISTANBUL

It is noteworthy that our ISKI General Manager Mr. Şafak Başa and his relevant deputies were detained. These colleagues of ours were preparing to implement administrative decisions to protect the Sazlıdere Dam, one of Istanbul's most important water sources. They were working to take effective measures against uncontrolled construction around the dam; they were defending the city's water security against projects that threaten Sazlıdere in the future. The Sazlıdere Dam is not only very important for Istanbul's present, but it is also a strategic water source that carries the risk of disappearing if controversial projects like Kanal Istanbul are implemented. The disruption of these efforts creates a worrying picture in terms of Istanbul's right to water and its environmental future.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO DEFEND JUSTICE"

As the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, we take care to remain committed to the rule of law, democratic values, and the public conscience today, just as we have in the past. We are determinedly exercising all our legal rights; we are continuing our duty to produce services for the people of Istanbul. No power will be able to deter us from our determination to protect our water resources, our living spaces, and the public interest. We will continue to defend common sense, fairness, and justice. We invite all segments of society to uphold legal principles and the common conscience during this process; we hope that the process will be conducted in a transparent and fair manner. Let the people of Istanbul be at ease; we, along with all our executives, district mayors, and 92 thousand employees, are at our posts with our responsibility to serve the people of Istanbul."