Ramazan Gülten breaks his silence! 'TOKİ built without a permit'

IMM Zoning Department Head Ramazan Gülten, speaking from the prison where he is being held, stated that TOKİ constructions along the Kanal Istanbul route were built without permits, adding, "We demolished illegal structures that had been ignored for years and opened these areas to the public." Gülten alleged that his fight against illegal construction was a factor in his arrest.

Don't leave your news choices to an algorithm - decide for yourself what you read. Add 12punto to your preferred sources!

Ramazan Gülten breaks his silence! 'TOKİ built without a permit'

Ramazan Gülten, the Head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Zoning Department and Deputy Secretary General, who was arrested as part of an investigation into the IMM, answered questions from BirGün newspaper reporter İsmail Arı from Silivri Prison. Gülten stated that TOKİ constructions along the Kanal Istanbul route were built without permits and that illegal structures, which had been ignored for years, were demolished and reclaimed for public use.

Stating that he was detained on the morning of April 26, Gülten said, “My wife was pregnant and our child was sleeping inside. The police approached with understanding and carried out the procedures quietly.” Speaking about the detention conditions, Gülten noted that painting and cleaning work was being done in the holding cells and that the new blankets were noticeable.

“TOKİ BUILT WITHOUT A PERMIT IN THE KANAL ISTANBUL REGION”

Gülten stated that the Kanal Istanbul project threatens Istanbul's natural resources, agricultural lands, and forests, and reminded that administrative courts had issued stay-of-execution decisions in the lawsuits they filed against the project. However, he noted that the plans were put back into effect as a result of objections.

Stating that TOKİ carried out excavation work without a permit in the absolute protection zone of the Sazlıdere Dam, Gülten said, “A permit must be obtained for such operations to be carried out legally. A report was drawn up by İSKİ and the necessary proceedings were initiated.”

“ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE NOT BEING IGNORED”

Expressing that they have been waging an uncompromising fight against illegal construction since they took office in 2019, Gülten emphasized that illegal structures in public areas such as Kadıköy Square, the Üsküdar Coast, and Bakırköy Square were demolished and opened for public use.

Addressing the allegation that one of the illegal structures demolished on the Büyükçekmece coast was an entertainment venue belonging to Aziz Saral, the nephew of Chief Presidential Advisor Oktay Saral, Gülten stated that he learned about this situation after he was arrested. “If a structure can be built on public land, it means someone is being trusted,” he said.

“I AM A CHILD OF THE REPUBLIC, I HAVE NOT EATEN ILL-GOTTEN GAINS”

Denying the accusations against him, Gülten said, “I am a child of the Republic with a character that would never allow a single bite of ill-gotten food to pass through my throat or that of my family.”

“WE ARE WORKING EVEN IN PRISON”

Expressing that they are trying to remain productive under prison conditions, Gülten said, “We are reading books, exercising, and following the agenda. We are trying to protect both our mental and physical health.”

Sending a message to the people of Istanbul, Gülten said, “We are people working for a greener, fairer, more creative, and more resilient Istanbul. I hope to meet with our people again as soon as possible.”

News Source: 12punto