Istanbul Governor's Office issues ban on SMA fundraising stands

The Istanbul Governor's Office has announced that fundraising stands set up to cover treatment costs for babies with SMA, which use loud announcements, have been banned.

The statement read, "As is known, requests for fundraising to cover treatment costs for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are granted by governor's offices under the Law on Fundraising No. 2860, provided that the necessary examinations and legal processes are completed. 

As a result of complaints and reports received by our Governor's Office, as well as open-source research, it has been determined that fundraising stands for SMA/DMD patients are being opened on streets, in squares, at metro entrances, and similar locations, and that at these stands, families are acting with relatives, friends, and family members who do not possess fundraising permits to reach large crowds, and that continuous, loud/disturbing announcements are being made," the statement said.

"NO LOUD FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES WILL BE PERMITTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES"

Stating that loud fundraising activities will not be permitted throughout Istanbul, the statement continued, "Article 5 of the Law on Fundraising No. 2860 states that 'Fundraising may be conducted by means of receipts, placing boxes in specific locations, opening bank accounts, issuing charity stamps, organizing raffles, cultural shows and exhibitions, sports events, trips and entertainment, or by using systems that process information automatically or electronically.' While 'placing boxes' is specified as a method of fundraising, the term 'stand' is not included. Under no circumstances will loud fundraising activities be permitted in our province. Regardless of whether there is a permit for a stand in the fundraising approvals for SMA/DMD patients, all stands will be removed and will not be allowed to be re-established in the following locations regarding ongoing fundraising activities:

At metro entrances and exits, and underpasses and overpasses,

At public transport stops and stations,

On streets, avenues, in bazaars, markets, and squares,

In crowded places that obstruct pedestrian traffic and traffic flow,

In locations that may create security vulnerabilities.

In this context, authorized units, primarily law enforcement and municipal police, will increase inspection activities, and if those acting in violation are identified during these inspections, action will be taken within the framework of the relevant legislative provisions," the statement concluded.

News Source: İHA