Sixth Hearing of the İsias Hotel Trial Scheduled for Tomorrow

The trial, initiated on January 3, 2023, by the families of the Champion Angels, tour guides, and survivors injured in the February 6, 2023 earthquake, has been ongoing for 12 months. Families and their lawyers are pressing for the accused to be convicted on charges of "probable intent."

A delegation of around 100 people, including Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, families, political figures, the Bar Association, and journalists, will travel to Adıyaman for the hearing.

Legal Battle Intensifies

The fifth hearing, held on December 3, led to the decision to hold the upcoming session over two days, ensuring sufficient time for a comprehensive conclusion. Bar Association President Hasan Esendağlı emphasized the critical nature of this hearing, stating that it could result in a verdict.

Esendağlı highlighted that while the court has yet to grant the accused the right to present additional defenses regarding the charges of "probable intent," such a move could prolong the trial. He underlined that any conviction on these charges without allowing additional defenses could be deemed procedurally flawed.

"We are meticulously preparing for this hearing," Esendağlı said. "Recent expert reports detail severe negligence that could justify convictions for probable intent. If the court rules otherwise, we are prepared to escalate the matter to a higher court."

He noted that the final stage of the trial includes the presentation of final arguments from both parties. Decisions on the investigation into public officials and whether separate charges will be filed are also expected during this session.

Families Demand Justice

Ruşen Yücesoylu Karakaya, President of the Champion Angels Memorial Association, described the tragedy at Grand İsias Hotel as the result of a chain of gross negligence rather than a natural disaster. She reiterated the families' unwavering demand for justice.

“This tragedy was a death trap created by conscious negligence. We demand that those responsible face the harshest penalties,” she stated. Karakaya emphasized that this verdict would be a turning point for construction safety and the value placed on human life in Turkey.

A Broader Call for Support

Karakaya highlighted the importance of nationwide support for the case:
“This fight is not only about our loved ones. It’s about ensuring that no parent suffers the same pain. The support we’ve received from Cyprus, Turkey, and beyond strengthens our resolve. We urge everyone to stand with us in this quest for justice.”

“Justice for All” Rally Held in Famagusta

Ahead of the hearing, families organized the "Justice for All" rally on December 20 at Namık Kemal Square in Famagusta. Hundreds gathered, including President Ersin Tatar, Speaker of Parliament Ziya Öztürkler, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, ministers, MPs, and citizens, to support the cause.

During the rally, attendees chanted: “They killed our children, they will pay for it. Tonight, let our voices echo in Turkey. One heart, one voice for justice.”