Üstel: 'We Will Never Forget This Pain, Our Quest for Justice Continues'

Speaking at a commemoration event held at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center for those who lost their lives in the disaster, Üstel reiterated the importance of remembrance and solidarity.

Recalling the tragic news that arrived at 04:17 on February 6, 2023, Üstel noted that Türkiye and Northern Cyprus united as one, mobilizing for search and rescue efforts. “Our businesspeople, civil defense teams, and mayors raced to reach the affected areas. We also rushed to the hotel where we lost our children, joining the rescue operations without delay. However, despite all our efforts, we could not save them,” he said.

Stressing that the devastation was not merely a natural disaster, Üstel stated, “An earthquake is a movement of nature, but human negligence turned it into a catastrophe. We are determined to continue our legal struggle to ensure those responsible are held accountable before justice.”

He honored the memory of all earthquake victims and underlined that the people of Northern Cyprus would never forget this sorrow.

Touching on the İsias Trial, Üstel highlighted their unity with the main opposition and all relevant institutions. He noted that while the first phase of the trial was completed after two years, the desired outcome had not yet been achieved.

Üstel expressed expectations that the court’s ruling in the İsias Trial would set a precedent and called for those responsible to receive life sentences with no chance of release.

“We will stand united in pursuit of this case,” he said, announcing that preparations for the second phase of the trial had already begun.

“The dedicated lawyers in Türkiye, who have selflessly offered their support, will soon meet with our legal experts. We are preparing for the appeal process,” Üstel concluded.