"IBB fined for 'discrimination against the disabled'"

A visually impaired individual, M.K., living in Istanbul, applied to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality on the grounds that accessibility standards for the disabled were not taken into account on the connection path between the Haliç metro station and the Küçükpazar tram station, which was completed in 2023.

M.K. stated that there were no guiding lines on the connection path and that there was a risk of hitting their head on the protruding stairs of the pedestrian bridge, and they did not receive a response to their application.

APPLIED TO TİHEK

Pointing out that visually impaired individuals would not be able to see the warning signs placed by the municipality, M.K. applied this time to the Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution with an allegation of a rights violation.

As a result of the investigations, the institution imposed an administrative fine of 141,934 lira at the upper limit on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for "violation of the prohibition of discrimination based on disability."

ATTENTION WAS DRAWN TO ARTICLE 10 OF THE CONSTITUTION

The justification for the decision pointed to Article 10 of the Constitution. It emphasized that the law stipulates that everyone is equal before the law. The justification stated that it is mandatory to act in accordance with the principle of equality before the law in all actions, including those of state organs and administrative authorities.