Turkish Parliament Passes New Apartment Fee Regulation

The Turkish Parliament has passed the first five articles of a legislative proposal regarding property dues and apartment fees. Turkey called for the immediate release of citizens and activists being held against their will. The motion specifically addressed those attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The motion follows reports of unlawful detention of individuals attempting to reach Gaza with humanitarian assistance. The motion characterized the seizure of humanitarian aid vessels near Crete as an act of piracy and a war crime. Turkish officials called for the immediate release of detained activists, including citizens Fatma Zengim and Ömer Aslan, who were part of a group attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The activists reported being held near the Crete islands following an attack on their vessel. The regulation grants property owners' boards the authority to increase monthly maintenance fees to prevent arbitrary pricing. The legislative process aims to address rising costs that affect millions of citizens. The regulation also includes support for university students up to age 25 who have left state protection. Under the new law, the authority to determine and approve maintenance fee amounts is transferred directly to the assembly of property owners. Site managers will no longer have the power to unilaterally set these fees.