Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, drawing attention to the fact that human errors turn natural disasters into catastrophes, said, “We are here so that such pain is never experienced again.”
Üstel stated that the legal process of the Isias Hotel case would begin today, and the first hearing would be held.
In a statement to the press in front of the Adıyaman Courthouse ahead of the trial of the Isias Hotel case, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said, “We are here with a team of nearly 100 people to follow the trials. It has been approximately 1 year since the disaster of the century that occurred on February 6, 2023. However, our pain has not ended,” he said.
Üstel said that it was great tragedy that more than 50,000 people, including those from the TRNC in Adıyaman and surrounding areas perished within seconds when the earthquake struck.
He said that the loss of the Champion Angels, the Türk Maarif College Secondary School Volleyball team, in the earthquake had multiplied their grief.
“On this occasion, I offer my condolences to the families of the lives lost in the earthquake, and I express my deepest sympathy to their grieving families. I wish urgent healing to the injured who experienced the effects of the earthquake,” Üstel added.
Highlighting that natural disasters are a reality of life, Prime Minister Üstel pointed out that what turned natural disasters into catastrophes are vital mistakes made by humans.
“We are here so that this kind of pain is not relived in the future.”
Explaining that a group of 100 people from the TRNC were in Adıyaman to follow the trial, Üstel said, “I am here as the Prime Minister. Our ministers, the leader of the opposition, our members of parliament, our bar association, and my team are all here. Representatives of the families of our champion angels who lost their lives are here. I believe this team is a concrete indication of how sensitively we approach this issue as a country.”
Emphasizing the importance of the Isias Hotel case, Prime Minister Üstel underlined that the Isias Hotel case is a common cause for everyone living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Reiterating his confidence and trust in the Turkish justice system, Prime Minister Üstel continued: “Because justice is the foundation of the state. If there is no justice, there can be no state. Therefore, I believe that after a fair trial, everyone responsible will receive the punishment they deserve according to the laws
Know that when the criminals receive the most severe punishments they deserve, the sentences given here will also set an example and be an important lesson for those attempting such crimes in the future.”
Prime Minister Üstel concluded his remarks by extending his heartfelt condolences to Adıyaman and all the provinces affected by the earthquake and wishing a speedy recovery to the survivors.