Demolition begins at Osmanağa Bay in Fethiye: MHP's Onur Yılmaz had protesters monitored

In Göcek, Fethiye district of Muğla, the demolition process has begun at the protected Osmanağa Bay despite public outcry.

While a tourism facility is planned for the area, the non-tender leasing and the ongoing protests are being harshly criticized by local residents and the opposition.

REACTIONS TO THE NON-TENDER LEASING PROJECT ARE GROWING

Demolition work has begun in Osmanağa Bay, which has been closed to the public since March 29, to construct a "daily tourism facility." It has been alleged that the area, which was leased to a private individual without a tender, was rented by MHP Muğla Provincial Vice Chairman Onur Yılmaz during the pandemic. However, the construction process could not be started due to certain conditions. Now, the entry of heavy machinery into the bay and the start of the demolition process have drawn the ire of local residents.

LEGAL MOVES BY CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE OPPOSITION

Civil society organizations and the opposition are pursuing legal avenues against the commercial use of the land in Osmanağa Bay. Lawsuits have been filed on grounds such as the destruction of reeds in the region and damage to the endemic vegetation. This process is also being closely monitored by environmentalists in the region.

PROTESTS SHOWN TO MHP'S YILMAZ

With the start of the demolition work, protests took place in the area. The protesting citizens were called by individuals close to MHP's Onur Yılmaz, and footage of the protests was shown to Yılmaz. An environmentalist recorded these images, documenting the process.

It is also alleged that Onur Yılmaz opened a business without a tender at Kızkumu Beach in Marmaris. This issue has been brought to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey by CHP and IYI Party deputies.