09.07.2025 10:11
The first hearing of the case, in which 78 people lost their lives and 32 defendants, 19 of whom are in custody, are being tried, continues on the third day with the defendants' statements at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya. Mehmet Salun, the assistant accounting manager of Gazelle Hotel, denied the allegations, stating that he did not remember having his signature on the emergency response team. During cross-examination, Salun answered "I don't know" to most of the questions.
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The pain remains fresh months after the fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel, which deeply shook Turkey. In the fire that occurred on January 21 in Bolu Kartalkaya, one of Turkey's favorite ski resorts, 78 people lost their lives, including 36 children, and 133 others were injured. In the case opened after the disaster, a total of 32 defendants, 19 of whom are in custody, are facing the judge. Due to the inadequacy of the Bolu Courthouse, the Bolu Social Sciences High School Sports Hall was prepared days in advance for the hearing, which saw a large turnout.
THE THIRD DAY HAS BEGUN
Participants were admitted to the sports hall, which was surrounded by barriers, with strict security measures on the third day of the trial. After the defendants were brought into the hall, the third day of the hearing began. Meanwhile, the defenses of a total of 17 defendants were taken during the first two days of the trial.
"I HAVE NO SIGNING AUTHORITY AT GRAND KARTAL HOTEL"
According to journalist Emrullah Erdinç, the defense of the defendant Mehmet Salun, the assistant accounting manager of Gazelle Hotel, was taken. Salun, who came to the witness stand, denied the accusations against him.
Presiding Judge: Will you make a defense regarding the allegations against you?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: I will. I was staying on the 10th floor of the hotel. I woke up when smoke came in. I had no chance to leave the room. We put a towel under the door. About an hour later, the fire department came and rescued us. I am an accountant at Gazelle Hotel, and I sometimes worked at Grand Kartal Hotel as well. I had no authority to give orders to anyone there. I deal with warehouse operations. I have no signing authority.
Presiding Judge: Who is responsible for the hotel's electricity?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: Emir Aras is responsible for the hotel. I occasionally saw Bayrak and Tahsin. The main electrical responsible is Hüseyin Özer.
Presiding Judge: The Provincial Special Administration conducted an inspection, and your signature is on the report.
Defendant Mehmet Salun: When they came to the hotel, there was no one authorized. That's why I signed.
Presiding Judge: Was a fire drill conducted at Grand Kartal Hotel?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: It has not been done recently.
"I DO NOT REMEMBER HAVING A SIGNATURE ON THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM"
Presiding Judge: Your signature is on the emergency response team.
Defendant Mehmet Salun: I do not remember.
Presiding Judge: Messages regarding deficiencies were shared in the WhatsApp group. Were there any messages sent by Emir Aras?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: No. They were not shared in the groups I was part of. I am not aware of the deficiencies. I deny the accusations against me.
Presiding Judge: Kadir Özdemir said, "I would run things through Mehmet Salun." What do you say?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: It is true that I received instructions from Kadir Özdemir.
Presiding Judge: Does Ahmet Demir interfere with Grand Kartal Hotel?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: He does not interfere in any way.
Presiding Judge: Were you involved in inspections?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: No.
CROSS-EXAMINATION OF MEHMET SALUN
Salun, who answered questions from the victim's representatives and the defendants' lawyers, claimed he was unaware of many issues.
Presiding Judge: Did you guide the tourism inspection firm?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: No.
Presiding Judge: Your signature is on the document.
Defendant Mehmet Salun: Your Honor, I did not sign the documents.
Presiding Judge: Did you not welcome them?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: I only welcomed them.
Victim's Lawyer: Emir Aras said you were involved with the inspectors from the Ministry of Tourism.
Defendant Mehmet Salun: If they requested documents, I would go, that's all.
Victim's Lawyer: Who prepared the emergency response team list?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: I have no knowledge.
Victim's Lawyer: Did you make a payment for occupational safety?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: I saw that it has not been done recently.
Defendant's Lawyer: According to the fire department report, can Kadir Özdemir address the deficiencies himself?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: He cannot address them without permission from management.
Defendant's Lawyer: Who participates in the Ministry inspections?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: Emir Aras.
Defendant's Lawyer: Is there an occupational safety expert at Gazelle Hotel?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: Yes.
Defendant's Lawyer: Is there one at Grand Kartal Hotel?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: No.
Defendant's Lawyer: During the inspection by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, did you say, "If anyone has a document, let them show it"? Why?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: Yes, I said that. Emir Aras requested documented personnel for the inspection.
Defendant's Lawyer: Emir Aras said yesterday, "My employees have the authority to address deficiencies." Is this true?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: We do not have such authority.
Defendant's Lawyer: What was checked during the Provincial Special Administration inspection?
Defendant Mehmet Salun: They checked cleaning materials like detergents.
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