Istanbul taxi drivers protest Martı TAG office following court ruling

Taxi drivers in Istanbul held a protest at the Maslak headquarters of Martı TAG after losing a four-year unfair competition lawsuit. The group blocked traffic on Büyükdere Avenue, causing significant disruptions to transportation in the area.

The 14th Regional Court of Justice recently rejected the lawsuit filed by over ten taxi chambers, including the Istanbul Chamber of Automobile Tradesmen. The court ruled that Martı TAG cannot be banned by judicial decree, stating that prohibiting a commercial activity is the responsibility of the legislature or administrative authorities. The court further noted that the platform's activities fall under the constitutional right to freedom of enterprise.

Martı founder Oğuz Alper Öktem responded to the protest while traveling to New York for investor meetings. He accused protesters of attempting to attack employees and noted that the traffic blockages hindered ambulances. Öktem stated that the company would increase investments in technology and Martı TAG, claiming there are 620,000 Martı TAG drivers in Turkey compared to 80,000 taxi drivers.