He said trees were cut down: Suavi fined

Renowned artist Suavi, who was fined for allegedly cutting down trees on his land in Bodrum, stated, "The trees were placed under protection by me personally."

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The Muğla Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change determined during inspections of Suavi's land that trees requiring protection had been cut down. It was alleged that 37 trees, which were supposed to be protected or relocated according to the project approved by the Bodrum Municipality, were destroyed.

According to the inspection report, it was stated that 29 trees were not relocated and 11 trees were cut down despite being required to be protected. Furthermore, it was noted that a similar situation occurred in the park area to the northwest of the land, where only one olive tree was left. In line with these findings, an administrative fine of 47,000 TL was imposed on Suavi.

SUAVİ RESPONDS: A SMEAR CAMPAIGN  

Suavi reacted to the allegations, arguing that he had relocated the trees using agricultural techniques and placed them under protection. The famous artist said, "I did everything I could to protect the trees. These accusations are completely baseless and consist of nothing more than a smear campaign by rent-seeking gangs."

'I BOUGHT THE LAND IN 2000'

Stating that the land has belonged to him for many years, Suavi declared, "I bought this land in 2000; it is a property of approximately 24-25 years. There were no registered, endemic trees or zoning plans involved."