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Author Latife Tekin harassed for questioning archaeological land acquisition

(BIANET/IFEX) - Several men assaulted and harassed author Latife Tekin when she questioned the improper acquisition of an archaeological site during a panel discussion in Bodrum, Mugla.

At the panel discussion entitled "Gümüslük's problems and Mydos excavations", Tekin attempted to ask the speakers whether the lands in question should be expropriated or not. She was forced to leave the venue.

Aegean Environment and Culture Foundation (EGEÇEP) condemned the attack and alleged that men who harassed Tekin work for a businessman, Mehmet Durmaz, who bought the land from the villagers.

"Tekin is attacked while trying to defend the archaic remains of Mydos - in other words, our cultural heritage. Just like in Allianoi or Hasankeyf, Tekin is targeted by those who profit from exploitation," EGEÇEP spokesperson Esin Kaya said.

Previously, a Justice and Development Party member, the Karabük mayor, harassed Tekin during a public discussion when she criticized the government's energy policies. Her microphone was turned off and she was deterred from commenting.

Kaya expressed their support for Tekin, mentioning her sensitivity towards environmental issues.