Akbelen Forest resistance continues on seventh day

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The resistance against the expansion of a coal mine in Milas, Muğla, continues for the seventh consecutive day.

Residents of the İkizköy village and dedicated activists are standing united in opposition to the tree-cutting operations initiated to make way for the enlargement of the mine into the Akbelen Forest.

The mine provides coal for the Yeniköy and Kemerköy thermal power plants in Milas. The company operating the plants, YK Energy, claims that they generate 2.5 percent of Turkey's total electricity production.

Joining forces with the villagers, the Confederation of Public Employees' Unions (KESK), students and graduates from the Middle East Technical University (METU), and several nature and environmental associations' activists are offering their unwavering support to the protests.

Last night, Praksis music group and other music collectives gave concerts. Following the musical display, a forum was organized, providing activists with a platform to share the story of the Akbelen resistance that has endured through the years.

Meanwhile, 18 protestors, including two lawyers, were detained yesterday morning but have since been released.

The Akbelen area had been relatively calm until July 24 when the gendarmerie conducted a raid, leading to the resumption of tree cutting. This reignited the villagers' and environmentalists' protests.

The villagers argue that the coal mine poses a threat to their living spaces, including olive groves and other vital habitats. (DS/AÖ/VC/VK)