Trabzon activists rally against political dismissals and mining projects

On July 15, 2026, representatives of several civil platforms gathered in Trabzon’s Meydan Park to denounce recent government actions they say threaten democracy and the rule of law. Muhammet İkinci of the Trabzon Emek ve Demokrasi Platform highlighted the dismissal of elected officials, rising lawlessness, poverty and inequality, and asserted that “democracy will win, the people will win.” Women’s‑rights activists Nilüfer Akgün and CHP women leader Çağla Özgür linked the dismissals to broader attacks on women’s participation and youth hope.

In a separate press briefing, Şener Şengün of the Derelerin Kardeşliği Platform condemned a series of mining, quarry and hydro‑electric power (HES) projects planned across multiple districts, including the Karadere Valley, Maçka, Sürmene, Hayrat and Uzungöl. He accused Limak Holding’s Altınordu Maden of conducting illegal drilling without environmental impact assessments and warned that the projects threaten rivers, forests and local livelihoods. The speakers called for a unified “organised people” response, stating that damage to one valley is damage to all of Trabzon.