The institution chaired by Fahrettin Altun has issued a fine to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality!

The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (TİHEK), chaired by former Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, deemed the refusal to allow a visually impaired individual, M.K., to enter a social facility affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) with their guide dog as discrimination. TİHEK imposed an administrative fine of 150,000 TL on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality regarding this behavior.

Visually impaired M.K. wanted to enter the Sahil Social Facility belonging to the IMM in the Beykoz district of Istanbul with their guide dog. However, M.K. and their dog were not allowed inside on the grounds that pets are prohibited in the facility. M.K. filed an application with TİHEK, stating that this situation subjected them to discrimination based on disability.

In the application, M.K. emphasized that guide dogs are specially trained assistants that enable visually impaired individuals to move independently, noting that these dogs help their owners find their way in daily life, overcome obstacles, and assist in social interactions.

In a written statement sent to TİHEK, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality stated that only pets in carriers are allowed in open areas of the facility, but acknowledged that the special status of guide dogs was not taken into account. The IMM argued that they had provided the necessary information to the applicant and offered equal service, claiming that they did not engage in discrimination.

"DISCRIMINATION" RULING FROM TİHEK

As a result of its investigation, TİHEK emphasized that guide dogs should not be treated like ordinary pets. In its decision, TİHEK stated, "Refusing entry to visually impaired individuals accompanied by their guide dogs into public spaces must be considered discrimination based on disability." Furthermore, it was stated that discrimination based on disability is contrary to national and international law.

TİHEK stated that the IMM had not developed a suitable solution for disabled individuals and had not made any arrangements to ensure access, and therefore imposed an administrative fine of 150,000 TL on the municipality.