ANKARA - Ecologists condemned the beating of earthquake victims in Samandağ and called for the immediate cessation of the debris removal and relocation work in the region.

 

Ecologists held a press conference at the Ankara Branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD) regarding the beating and detention of the people who had been protesting for two days demanding that the dumping of toxic debris threatening nature and public health in Hatay Samandağ be stopped. Pollen Ecology, Greens and Left Future Party (Green Left Party), Partizan, Social Freedom Party (TOP), Earth Ecology, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Ankara Provincial Organization, İHD Ankara Branch, KESK Ankara Branches Platform, Climate Justice Coalition , Karala and Malatya Environment Platform members attended to the press conference.

 

REQUESTS FOR EARTHQUAKE REGION ARE RANKED

 

Melis Tantan from the Climate Justice Coalition, who made the statement on behalf of the participating organizations and parties, listed their demands as follows:

 

* First of all, debris removal, transportation and storage operations should be stopped immediately until asbestos identification and separation of the debris, removal, transportation, storage methods and storage areas suitable for scientific and ecological motives are found.

 

* In the process of removing the debris, the participation of local people, relevant professional organizations, democratic institutions and ecological organizations is essential instead of the understanding of "get up as soon as possible" and "I did it". The studies to be carried out by the professionals by taking into account all the ecosystem effects on permanent storage areas should be submitted to the approval of the local people. Those living in the earthquake zone should decide when to remove the debris and where to store it.

 

* The debris activities that will be restarted after the permanent storage areas are approved by the public should be put to an end, and all regulations should be meticulously implemented, unlawful practices and those responsible at all levels should be punished.