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New developments have emerged in the ongoing investigation into the tragic collapse of the Isias Hotel in Adiyaman, Turkey, where 35 Cypriots and 37 others lost their lives during last year’s devastating earthquakes. Recently, new samples were taken from the hotel wreckage, marking a significant step forward in determining the true cause of the collapse. These hotel wreckage samples are crucial in assessing whether the building was constructed safely and according to the relevant laws.
Background on the Isias Hotel Collapse
The Isias Hotel became a focal point of grief and anger after it collapsed during the earthquakes, leading to the tragic deaths of 72 people, including 35 Cypriots. Among the victims were 24 children from Famagusta and surrounding villages, who were in the hotel at the time of the disaster. The hotel’s collapse raised serious questions about the safety of its construction and whether negligence played a role in the tragedy.
Why New Hotel Wreckage Samples Were Taken
On Wednesday, authorities announced that new hotel wreckage samples had been taken from the remains of the Isias Hotel. This was done by drilling through the supporting columns of the building. The decision to take fresh samples was made during a previous hearing at Adiyaman’s third high criminal court in June. The purpose of these new samples is to conduct a thorough analysis to determine whether the hotel was built according to safety regulations and construction laws.
These samples have been sent to Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, where a panel of experts will examine them in detail. The results of this investigation are eagerly awaited, as they could provide critical evidence in the ongoing trial and help bring justice to the victims and their families.
Memorial Plans for the Victims
In addition to the ongoing investigation, there are also plans to honor the memory of the victims, particularly the 24 Cypriot children who died in the collapse. The Turkish Cypriot Famagusta municipality has agreed to erect a memorial in the town to commemorate these children. The memorial will be located at the Sulu roundabout, near the Polat Pasha mosque.
This announcement was made following a meeting between Famagusta Mayor Suleyman Ulucay and some of the parents who lost their children in the disaster. Mayor Ulucay expressed hope that the monument will be completed by the end of next year. Rusen Yucesoylu Karakaya, whose daughter Selin Karakaya was among those killed, emphasized the importance of remembering the victims, saying, “The names and memories of our children will be remembered and kept alive throughout Cyprus.”
The Ongoing Trial and Legal Proceedings
The trial of the 11 individuals held responsible for the deaths of the 72 victims is set to resume on October 22. These individuals are currently charged with “causing death by conscious negligence” at Adiyaman’s third high criminal court. If found guilty, they could each face up to 22 and a half years in prison.
However, the families of the victims are demanding that the charges be upgraded to intentional murder, reflecting the gravity of the alleged negligence involved. In April, hundreds of people marched across northern Nicosia to demand tougher charges, mirroring a similar protest held in Famagusta in November.
The legal proceedings have been slow, with four separate university reports being commissioned to investigate the cause of the hotel’s collapse. The first two reports, conducted by Trabzon’s Karadeniz Technical University and Istanbul Technical University, highlighted significant deficiencies in the hotel’s construction. These included the use of sand and gravel from a local river and the cutting of supporting columns.
However, a third report from Ankara’s Gazi University generated controversy for being less critical, leading to the release of two suspects who had initially been held in custody. This sparked further outrage, prompting the court to order a fourth report from Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir to provide a more thorough analysis.
Investigation into Permits and Construction Approvals
The investigation has also revealed issues with the permits and approvals granted for the Isias Hotel’s construction. In May, the Adiyaman Provincial governor’s office authorized criminal investigations into the conduct of four retired former civil servants. These individuals were involved in approving various construction and change of use permits for the hotel over the years.
It was found that some of the permits issued did not comply with relevant laws, and there were discrepancies between the information on the permits and the actual work carried out at the hotel. This has raised further concerns about potential negligence and corruption, which may have contributed to the disaster.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Closure
As new hotel wreckage samples are analyzed and the trial continues, the families of the victims are still searching for justice. The investigation into the Isias Hotel’s collapse is far from over, and the results of the latest samples will play a crucial role in determining accountability. Meanwhile, the planned memorial in Famagusta will serve as a lasting tribute to the children who lost their lives, ensuring their memories are honored.
The tragedy at the Isias Hotel is a stark reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in construction, and the ongoing efforts to seek justice are a testament to the resilience of those affected by this devastating event.
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