Özkan Arslan – Özgür Eren / İstanbul, Feb 22 () - Istanbul Technical University students have been protesting heavy equipment threatening the green spaces in a bid to open a chain café in the center of campus.
A group of protesters and 10 professors have halted construction works to protect the green area, slamming the claims of university officials that the construction was for landscaping.
“The university administration seeks to make buck. This new cafeteria does not fit students’ demands anyway. We only care about the public space. We are against the plunder of environment. This place is the Maçka district’s unique green space” said a student, Uğur Cucu.
Students blocking the way of heavy equipment were attacked by security officers with batons, while undercover police officers supported the intervention, said protesters.
“They are accusing us of ignorance and provocation. We are just some students, looking after our nature” Cucu said.
Students’ watch continue at the campus garden of Istanbul’s leading university.
(Photo)
