Ahead of the fifth hearing of the İsias trial in Adıyaman, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoğlu and key advocates gathered to demand justice.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, speaking in front of Adıyaman Courthouse ahead of the hearing reaffirmed trust in Türkiye’s judiciary.
“We stand united here in Adıyaman to protect the rights of our Champion Angels, our children, and the Turkish Cypriot people,” Prime Minister Üstel told reporters, underscoring the collective solidarity surrounding the case.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu expressed hope that the outcome of the trial would set a precedent to prevent such tragedies in the future. “This struggle will continue to ensure that these painful events are never repeated,” he said in remarks to BRT.
Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, speaking to the press, demanded accountability. “Our children were buried together, and we demand that those responsible serve their sentences together in prison,” he stated firmly.
The leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman also spoke before the hearing, emphasizing progress.
“With the expert reports submitted, we are closer to justice than we were at the start of this journey,” he remarked, pointing to the strengthened case against the defendants.
Ruşen Yücesoylu Karakaya, President of the Champion Angels Association, called for decisive legal action.
“We demand that Adıyaman’s 3rd High Criminal Court ensures justice for all the perpetrators in light of scientific reports and clear evidence.
Steps must be taken to prosecute all responsible individuals for ‘conscious intent,’” Karakaya said.
President of the Turkish Cypriot Bar Association, Hasan Esendağlı, underlined the clarity of the expert report submitted to the court.
“The report, carefully examined by experts, clearly lays out the facts,” Esendağlı said, reinforcing the weight of evidence in the case.
Talip Atalay, Secretary-General of the Rebirth Party (YDP) and Member of Parliament, highlighted the emotional gravity of the tragedy. “Our loss at İsias is our greatest sorrow since 1974,” Atalay remarked.
Meanwhile, National Unity Party (UBP) MP Yasemin Öztürk praised the resilience of those seeking justice. “A great spirit of determination is driving the efforts here in Adıyaman,” she said.