17.04.2025 22:50
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was arrested as part of a corruption investigation against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), stated on his social media account, "Taking advantage of my absence, they have started the construction of 24,000 housing units around the Sazlıdere Dam, one of the most important water sources on the European side, for the sake of the so-called 'Kanal İstanbul' project, which is a scheme for profit and plunder."
```html
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was arrested for corruption related to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, made a new statement via social media.
CANAL ISTANBUL ALLEGATION
Imamoğlu, who made allegations regarding the Canal Istanbul project, stated, "Taking advantage of my absence, they have started the construction of 24,000 housing units around the Sazlıdere Dam, one of the most important water sources on the European side, for the sake of the so-called 'Canal Istanbul' rent and plunder project."
"THEY HAVE PUSHED THE CONSTRUCTION MACHINES TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WATER"
In the continuation of his statement, Imamoğlu said: "This time, they have hastily activated TOKİ. They have pushed bulldozers and construction machines into the absolute protection area, all the way to the bottom of the water."
They have not only ignored the official warnings from İBB and İSKİ but have also reduced the drinking water usage rate of the Sazlıdere Dam from 100% to 0% by a presidential decision. They have hidden this from the public without any shame and have not even informed İSKİ.
Let everyone understand that we do not have a single drop of water source to sacrifice in our beloved Istanbul. We will never cease to fight against this unjust, unlawful, and opportunistic approach.
"YOU ARE ADDING A CRISIS TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS"
If you had even a shred of sincerity regarding climate change and environmental protection, you would not attack Istanbul's water sources in such a way.
You are adding the damage you cause to the environment and Istanbul's water sources to the harm you have done to law, economy, and democracy. You are adding a crisis to the climate crisis that the whole world is struggling with and seeking new paths and methods.
Immediately abandon this rent and plunder project. The nation will send you away anyway, so at least do not cause more harm to the land, water, and air before you leave.
```