Akbelen resistance by İkizköy residents continues: 'We were born on this land, we will die here'

The local residents, who are resisting the urgent expropriation decision issued for approximately 200 parcels around the Akbelen Forest in İkizköy, Muğla, continue their vigil.

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Akbelen resistance by İkizköy residents continues: 'We were born on this land, we will die here'

In İkizköy, located in the Milas district of Muğla, the local people's struggle to protect the Akbelen Forest and their surrounding living spaces continues with determination. The villagers, who have taken legal action against the urgent expropriation decision made for approximately 200 parcels in the region, are also continuing their vigil in the area.

A general view from the Akbelen Forest protests

COUNCIL OF STATE PROCESS AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST DEBATE

A critical hearing regarding the expropriation decision was held at the 6th Chamber of the Council of State on September 16. Presenting its opinion at the hearing, the Council of State Prosecutor argued that there was a "public interest" in the expropriation process in question and requested the dismissal of the cancellation lawsuit filed by the villagers. Following this development, the Akbelen protesters gathered again at the vigil site in the evening to send a message of solidarity.

The evening vigil tent gathering of the İkizköy residents

THE REAL PUBLIC INTEREST IS THIS VILLAGE

Speaking on behalf of the villagers at the vigil site, İkizköy Headman Nejla Işık recalled that they have been fighting for years to protect their land, nature, and olive trees. Stating that the outcome of the case will determine their own fate, Işık said, "The truth we are shouting is this: The public interest here is this village; it is the village's land, its flowing streams, and its olive trees. We are right, and sooner or later we will win this case."

An Akbelen supporter carrying a banner that reads 'Do not touch my air, my water, my land'

IT WILL NOT END UNTIL WE SAY IT IS OVER

Emphasizing that they will not allow the local people to be displaced for the sake of corporate greed, Işık stated that the true owners of the region are the villagers who live on this land inherited from their ancestors. Underlining that they will continue the struggle to the end, Işık called on the public for solidarity.

İkizköy women defending the forest by sitting on the ground

"No one can displace us villagers just so a company can become richer. We will resist to the end with our property rights. We were born on this land, we will die on this land, and we will never leave here. Keep your eyes and ears on this place; this struggle will not end until we say it is over."
— İkizköy Headman Nejla Işık

News Source: 12punto