14.12.2025 17:50
In the case regarding the collapse of the Reyyan Apartment, where 55 people lost their lives in the earthquakes on February 6 in Kahramanmaraş, the only defendant being held in custody, contractor Muhammet Karaaslan, has been released by court order. With this release decision, there are no remaining defendants in custody in the case. A total of 10 people, including 6 public officials, are being prosecuted in the case.
On February 6, an important development occurred in the case regarding the Reyyan Apartment, which was destroyed in the earthquakes and became the grave of 55 people. In the ongoing trial, the contractor Muhammet Karaaslan, who was in custody, was released on the grounds that his detention period had expired.
ILLEGAL FLOOR DETAIL INCLUDED IN THE EXPERT REPORT
While 55 people lost their lives in the Reyyan Apartment, which collapsed in the first earthquake, 9 others were injured. The expert report prepared within the scope of the investigation revealed that an illegal floor was built, adding an extra load of 6 to 8 tons to the building.
A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST 10 DEFENDANTS
Following the investigation, a lawsuit was filed against a total of 10 people, including 6 public officials, at the Kahramanmaraş 5th Heavy Criminal Court on charges of "causing the death and injury of multiple people through conscious negligence."
DEFENDANT REQUESTED RELEASE
During the 9th hearing of the case, detained defendant Muhammet Karaaslan, while defending himself, denied the charges against him and requested his release. Karaaslan stated, "While it has been determined in the expert reports that the illegal floor was not built by me, I have been in custody for a long time. I do not accept the charges."
PROSECUTOR REQUESTED CONTINUATION OF DETENTION
The public prosecutor requested the continuation of detention based on the nature of the charges against the defendant, the current state of evidence, and the risk of flight.
COURT: DETENTION REQUEST EXCESSIVE
The court panel decided to release Muhammet Karaaslan on the grounds that the evidence had largely been collected, there was no suspicion of flight or evidence tampering, the maximum detention period had expired, and the detention was of a precautionary nature.
NO DETAINEES REMAIN, CASE POSTPONED TO 2026
The court postponed the case to May 15, 2026. With the release decision, there are no detained defendants left in the case.