in an attempt to stop operation of hazardous waste plant in Izmit, Turkey, Greenpeace activists blocked the entrance of the plant recently. The incinerator had been operating despite a closure order from the nation's ministry of environment. Kocaeli Environmental Protection Association ( kepa ), a local environmental group, also took part in the demonstration.
Two Greenpeace activists and one from kepa chained themselves to the gate with special throat cuffs to make it difficult for the security to remove them and allow the waste trucks from entering the plant. Others chained themselves to the entrance. One of the protesters was hurt in the interface between the security staff and the protesters. A month earlier, Greenpeace had launched a legal process against the officials responsible for illegally operating the incinerator. It had appealed to the ministry of internal affairs and environment that the head of the environment protection agency be punished for overlooking the operation. The demonstrators intend to continue the siege until Izmit closes the plant.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.