Fifth Hearing on Isias Hotel Collapse Begins in Adıyaman

The fifth hearing concerning the collapse of the Isias Hotel will take place today at the Third High Criminal Court in Adıyaman, starting at 10:00 AM. A delegation from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), comprising around 100 individuals and led by TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, has traveled to Turkey for the session.

Attendees

Among those expected to attend are government ministers, members of parliament, political figures, and members of the Temporary Special Committee established to oversee the legal and judicial proceedings related to the earthquake. Representatives from the Bar Association, journalists, and families of the "Champion Angels," who tragically lost their lives in the collapse, will also be present.

Key Focus of the Hearing

This session marks the first hearing since the presentation of an expert report prepared by a committee from Dokuz Eylül University and Istanbul Technical University. The court last consulted the committee during earlier proceedings, with the findings announced on October 28.

The initial hearing in the case occurred in January, addressing the collapse of the Grand Isias Hotel during the devastating February 6, 2023, earthquake. The disaster claimed 72 lives, including 35 Turkish Cypriots. That session resulted in several temporary rulings, which were challenged by lawyers representing the families of the Champion Angels.

Subsequent hearings took place on April 26, June 12, and October 21.

The Champion Angels

The "Champion Angels" refers to the young athletes of a volleyball team from Famagusta who lost their lives in the February 6 earthquake in Turkey. Among the victims were children aged 12 to 14, their parents, and several teachers. The group had traveled to Adıyaman just days before the tragedy to participate in a volleyball tournament. Only four parents and a deputy school principal survived the catastrophic event.