Hearing on the Isias Hotel Collapse Case Postponed to December 24

The Fifth Hearing on the collapse of the Isias Hotel was held yesterday at the Third High Criminal Court in Adıyaman. The next hearing, the sixth in the case, has been scheduled for December 24.

A delegation of approximately 100 individuals from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), led by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, attended the hearing.

In his statement following the session, Prime Minister Üstel emphasized the profound sorrow caused by the tragedy, describing it as an event that "united the entire Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."

Court Rulings

The court ruled to continue the detention of the accused—Ahmet Bozkurt, Mehmet Fatih Bozkurt, and Erdem Yıldız—while maintaining judicial supervision for eight other defendants not in custody.

Additionally, the court rejected requests for further expert analysis and decided to obtain investigation results related to the actions of public officials. The sixth hearing will convene on December 24.

• "We believe that justice will prevail in the Turkish Republic," said Prime Minister Üstel, expressing hope that the court’s decision on December 24 will bring moral relief to all.

Advocacy Efforts

Ruşen Karakaya, President of the “Angels-Champions Supporting Life” Association, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to justice. He stated that they would attend the December 24 hearing to continue their fight for accountability.

Background

The Grand Isias Hotel collapsed during the earthquake on February 6, 2023, resulting in 72 fatalities, including 35 Turkish Cypriots. The first hearing in the case was held at the Adıyaman High Criminal Court in January. Over several days of hearings, the court issued interim decisions that were challenged by the lawyers representing the families of the victims.

The second hearing took place on April 26, with about 100 Turkish Cypriots in attendance. Subsequent hearings occurred on June 12 and October 21.

The "Angels-Champions" Tragedy

The “Angels-Champions” were members of a youth volleyball team from Famagusta who tragically lost their lives in the earthquake. Among those recovered from the rubble were the bodies of 35 individuals, including the young athletes, their parents, and several teachers.

The athletes, aged 12–14, had traveled to Adıyaman for a volleyball tournament just days before the disaster. Only four parents and a deputy school principal survived.