Greenpeace: Judge Nuclear Power Plants not Peaceful Protests

Greenpeace Turkey called for support to eight anti-nuclear activists who will be put on trial at İstanbul Çağlayan Courthouse tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Banners and cookies

In 2014, eight activists protested nuclear summit convened by Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in İstanbul because nuclear power plants would do harm against Turkey.

Protesters had unfurled banners “Nuclear Disaster Starts Here” and distributed cookies in which anti-nuclear messages were hidden. 

Freedom of expression

Greenpeace Lawyer Deniz Bayram told the plans of nuclear power plants in Turkey should be judged not the peaceful protests.

 “The actions of anti-nuclear activists are in the scope of freedom of expression and the right to assembly and demonstration.

 “Peaceful protests and the people have objected dangerous nuclear plants which had been planned to be built for 50 years in Turkey. 

It is against the law

Bayram stated three regions; Akkuyu, Sinop and İğneada were determined as nuclear plant areas and the procedure for Akkuyu was not transparent, not participative and it is against the law.

“Environmental Impact Assessment (ÇED) was acknowledged in spite of all its faults. The case of ÇED still continues since there are a lot of troubles for example; dangers against the living species in the Mediterranean Sea, security risks, environmental, social, economic and legal responsibilities.   

What should be judged is…

“What should be judged and investigated is insisting on dangerous, dirty and expensive nuclear energy plans instead of unused renewable energy.” (YY/BD)

* A press statement will be made before the trial at 10.30 tomorrow morning.

 Click here to read the article in Turkish