30.12.2025 18:50
In the case related to the Said Bey Site, where 44 people lost their lives in the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, a request for prison sentences of up to 22 years and 6 months for each of the 8 individuals, including 1 detained defendant, was made on the charge of "causing the death and injury of multiple people through conscious negligence." The trial was marked by the defense of the site's contractor, who stated, "I am a contractor, but I don't understand; I am a primary school graduate."
In the case of Said Bey Site, where 44 people lost their lives in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, the defense of the detained defendant contractor H.Ç., stating "I am a contractor but I don't understand, I am a primary school graduate," made a significant impact on the hearing. While the trial of 8 defendants, including 1 detained and 2 public officials, continued, the court postponed the hearing.
The two-block Said Bey Site, located in the Yahya Kemal neighborhood of Dulkadiroğlu district in Kahramanmaraş, collapsed in the first earthquake that occurred on February 6. While 44 people trapped under the rubble lost their lives, a case was filed at the Kahramanmaraş 4th Heavy Penal Court against those responsible for the incident.
In today's hearing, detained defendant contractor H.Ç. (54), the then Dulkadiroğlu Municipality Planning Director A.Ö., Deputy Director S.B., relatives of those who lost their lives in the earthquake, and the attorneys of the parties attended. Public officials A.Ö. and S.B. reiterated their previous defenses, denied the accusations, and requested their acquittal.
"I AM A CONTRACTOR BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND"
Detained defendant H.Ç., who faces a prison sentence of up to 22 years and 6 months for 'causing the death and injury of multiple people through conscious negligence,' denied the accusations and stated:
"I have been in the grocery business for 35 years. I am also a victim. I had construction done, I didn't. I don't know about the materials purchased; the masters took the best ones. I am a contractor but I don't understand, I am a primary school graduate. We said a grocery store should be built according to the project, we took the best materials. I am also a victim; I wish I hadn't invested there. We said let's invest. Here, I opened a 1,000 square meter grocery store. My relatives have passed away. I am in prison, I have no crime, I request my release."
The lawyers of the defendants not in detention also claimed their clients' innocence and requested acquittal. After taking the statements of the complainants and site residents, the court panel postponed the hearing to April 10.
"WE TRUST IN JUSTICE"
Speaking after the hearing, earthquake survivor Nevres Akkaya said, "It is clear that the main reason for the building's collapse is the mezzanine floor. Expert reports also reveal this. Despite these, we are still struggling to achieve the result we want. We trust in justice; we do not lose hope."