Van - STAR Women’s Association released a written statement about the women resisting the destruction of nature in Van city.

On May 26, the women living in the Yurtbaşı (Şexan) neighborhood of Van’s Gürpınar district protested the construction of a marble quarry in their neighborhood. But they were battered and detained for their peaceful protest. STAR Women’s Association released a written statement on its Instagram account for the women.

“As a result of these destruction policies applied throughout the country for years, we have witnessed flood disasters in the Black Sea, landslides in the Aegean, destruction of agricultural areas. Not only ecology but also animal husbandry, which is the only means of livelihood of the local people are in danger in the Yurtbaşı (Şexan) neighborhood of Van’s Gürpınar district. We regret to report that local people’s animal shelters were destroyed; the women protesting this were battered and detained, they were subjected to psychological and physical violence and illegal practices. The struggle in the Yurtbaşı neighborhood is very valuable and meaningful for us. As STAR Women's Association, we stand by women who are protecting their water, soil, and living spaces.”