‘Minibus’ protest in the Princes' Islands: 8 detained

Despite objections, IETT brought the minibuses it announced would be used for transportation to Büyükada.

8 PEOPLE DETAINED

According to a report in Birgün; residents of Büyükada protested the IETT's decision by standing in front of the minibuses. In the ensuing scuffle following police intervention, 8 citizens were detained.

8 citizens who opposed the minibuses in Büyükada were detained!https://t.co/G75Jy7tIIX pic.twitter.com/nuvKvFkmBf

— BirGün Gazetesi (@BirGun_Gazetesi) June 15, 2024

In a statement made by the Heybeliada Neighborhood Assembly Initiative, it was said: “Despite all the justified, legal objections of the islanders and the promises made by the authorities, IETT brought minibuses to Büyükada! We are being ignored! There are traffic accidents every day on the islands, which are closed to traffic. We do not want minibuses on the islands. We will protect the forest from the mafia and the pedestrian paths from traffic!”

The Princes' Islands Civil Initiative called on IETT General Manager İrfan Demet to resign and demanded the cancellation of the implementation.

INSTRUCTION FROM IETT DEPARTMENT HEAD: TAKE THIS ONE

On the other hand, tension also arose between the protesters and IETT Head of Metrobus and Electric Transportation Department Ali Tuğrul Küçükalioğlu.

A protester who opposed the IETT's decision physically intervened with Küçükalioğlu. Unable to control his temper, Küçükalioğlu gave the instruction by saying, “Take this one.”

Journalist Rojda Altıntaş shared those moments on her social media account.

Altıntaş’s post is as follows:

“Footage from the Islands! IETT Head of Metrobus and Electric Transportation Department Ali Tuğrul Küçükalioğlu uses the phrase “Take this one,” as if he were a prosecutor or a police chief. The islanders wanted to demonstrate against the minibuses that IETT illegally introduced into the traffic of the Princes' Islands District.”

Footage from the Islands! IETT Head of Metrobus and Electric Transportation Department Ali Tuğrul Küçükalioğlu uses the phrase “Take this one,” as if he were a prosecutor or a police chief. The islanders wanted to demonstrate against the minibuses that IETT illegally introduced into the traffic of the Princes' Islands District. pic.twitter.com/6mG5rJ6o1v

— Rojda Altintaş (@rojdaaltintas) June 15, 2024

News Source: 12punto