European Court for Human Rights takes no responsability for Hasankyef (Ilisu Dam in Turkey)

Extract from Press Release 2019/02/21 of “Initiative to Keep Hasankeyf Alive” (Ilisu Dam in Turkey)

On Februar the 21th, the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) has rejected the appeal for conserving the archaeological site Hasankeyf and the surrounding Tigris Valley which is threatened by the Ilisu Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant Project in the Kurdistan region of Turkey.

The decision of the ECtHR is more than regrettable. This cultural and natural heritage site – inhabitated continously – is inarguably one of the most important heritage sites in Turkey, Middle East, and Europe.

It is a shame that the ECHR has avoided to take any responsibility. In a period when the justice system of Turkey has started not to exist any more it could have given support to many people at the Tigris River and in all over Turkey campaigning for defending their livelihoods and heritage and against destructive and exploitative investment projects. However struggles will continue.

What is criticize here in substance is that European institutions claims to have high democratic standards, but is not able to take responsibility in a crucial case like Hasankeyf and the Tigris River.

More info on our web page https://www.ern.org/fr/dam-watch/

or on  www.hasankeyfgirisimi.net
Contact : Ercan Ayboga /Initiative to Keep Hasankeyf Alive
hasankeyfgirisimi(a)gmail.com