the trial of the tragedy at the Isias hotel, which killed 24 schoolchildren, has begun

It is an emblematic trial which opened on Wednesday January 3 in Türkiye. This is the first concerning the construction of buildings which collapsed during the February 2023 earthquake which killed more than 50,000 people. The Isias Hotel in Adiyaman has become one of the symbols of the negligence of real estate developers and builders. This hotel collapsed in a few minutes, killing 72 people, including 24 schoolchildren who had come from Northern Cyprus to play in a volleyball tournament.

The smiling faces of young boys and girls appear on signs outside the courtroom. These Cypriot schoolchildren were between 12 and 15 years old. The Isias hotel where they had just arrived was reputed to be the safest in the city. Their death, “their murder”say the torn parents, is a tragedy for the small republic of northern Cyprus.

Eleven accused, prosecuted for negligence

Eleven accused are in the box, five of whom are already in custody, including the hotel owner. Prosecuted for negligence, they face several years in prison, but the families are asking for heavier charges, as the crime has been proven, according to them. The investigation showed that a floor was added to the hotel without authorization, that foundation columns were sawn and sea sand used for construction. The manager and owner of the hotel are close to those in power. For Cypriot families, this trial must be exemplary. “It’s important for our childrenthey say, but also for Turkey.”