Akbelen Villagers Protest in Ankara Following Activist’s Arrest
Ankara, April 7, 2026 – Villagers from Akbelen are holding protests today in Ankara, at the Constitutional Court and the Council of State, demanding justice for Esra Işık, an activist who was arrested after protesting the urgent expropriation of agricultural lands surrounding the Akbelen Forest in Milas, Muğla. Işık, who was detained on March 31, was reportedly transferred from Muğla Type E Prison to İzmir Type T Closed Prison No. 2.
Activist’s Message from Prison: ‘Our Struggle is Permanent’
Lawyer İpek Sarıca shared a message from Işık, who stated, “I was exiled here; every means is being tried to take our land from us. We will not turn back from this path, nor will we bow down. Everything is forgotten, but our struggle is permanent, and we will do everything to ensure it is not forgotten. Love to all friends who strengthen solidarity.”
Protests to Continue at Constitutional Court and Council of State
The Akbelen villagers had planned protests at the Constitutional Court (AYM) and the Council of State against the expropriation decision, but postponed them after Işık’s arrest. They announced that these demonstrations would proceed today, April 7, 2026.
In a statement, the villagers declared, “We are standing up for our land, our labor, our lives, and the future of this country. We demand an urgent stay of execution to halt irreversible destruction. We demand justice for our Esra. We call on all citizens to gather in front of the Constitutional Court.”
The statement confirmed that press conferences would be held today at 11:00 AM in front of the Constitutional Court and at 2:00 PM in front of the Council of State.
Background of the Dispute
The protests stem from the urgent expropriation of agricultural lands around the Akbelen Forest, intended to provide coal for the YK Enerji thermal power plant. This decision has been met with strong opposition from local communities and environmental activists who argue it will lead to significant ecological damage and displacement.
Wider Implications and Calls for Solidarity
The case of Esra Işık and the ongoing struggle in Akbelen highlight a broader conflict between environmental protection and industrial expansion in Turkey. The villagers’ call for solidarity underscores the growing public awareness and activism regarding environmental issues and land rights in the region. The outcome of these protests and legal challenges could set a precedent for similar disputes across the country.
