Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the search for justice in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the “Champion Angels” tragedy.

“We will be in Adıyaman for justice,” he emphasized, as he joined a government delegation travelling to the city to support the families of those who lost their lives in the earthquake.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoğlu stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“The grief and pain left by every individual lost in the earthquake grow deeper with each passing day. Those responsible must be brought to justice to ensure such negligence is not repeated,” he stated.

The visit to Adıyaman, he noted, is a gesture of solidarity with the families seeking justice and a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the legal process is conducted transparently and fairly.

“We are there to honour the memory of those lost in the earthquake and to support the families’ pursuit of justice. We will collectively voice our expectation for a transparent and just outcome,” Ataoğlu said.

Ataoğlu underscored the importance of the “Champion Angels” case, calling it a matter of humanity and highlighting that the lost children were “bright stars who served as role models for the young generations of the TRNC.”

He stressed that the government and the people are determined to keep the issue on the agenda at every platform.

“This visit to Adıyaman sends a strong message of support not only to the Champion Angels and their families but also to all those awaiting justice,” he added.

Reflecting on the loss, Ataoğlu emphasized the deep sorrow felt in the community, particularly over the loss of the “Champion Angels,” who were a source of pride in the sports world.

“These children were not only the pride of their families but also a shared treasure of our nation, representing our hopes and future. Ensuring that justice is fully served in the face of the injustices and negligence they suffered is both a duty and a moral obligation for us,” he asserted.

Ataoğlu called for the acceleration of investigations and legal proceedings related to the failures and negligence that led to the loss of the Champion Angels during the earthquake.

“No negligence should go unpunished. We will not only commemorate our losses but will also continue our fight to ensure justice in their memory,” he declared.

He extended his condolences to the families of those who perished in the earthquake, wishing them strength and patience, and emphasized that such disasters will not be forgotten and that the memories of those lost will always be honoured.