Isias Hotel Trial: Prosecutor Calls for Charges of Negligence Instead of Intent

Family members of the victims, Ruşen Yücesoylu Karakaya and Pervin Aksoy İpekçioğlu, emphasized the need for the defendants to be tried for "probable intent" (olası kast). Karakaya stated, "True justice must prevail. As families, we demand that the defendants are tried under charges of probable intent and never see the light of day." İpekçioğlu argued, "Probable intent should not only cover column removals but also include violations in flat slab structures. If probable intent is not applied in this case, it cannot be applied in any case."

Defense lawyer Koçoğlu requested additional time for written and oral defenses and supported the prosecutor’s assessment of foreseeability regarding fault. Koçoğlu highlighted the release of Halil Bağcı, who had been identified as a major contributor to the building's collapse, stating, "His sudden release was premature, and his re-arrest is essential."

Citing the expert report from Gazi University, Koçoğlu reiterated the call for all defendants to remain in custody and be charged with probable intent.

The prosecutor’s indictment also called for the defendants to be sentenced without leniency. However, attorney Hasret Güney Doğan, representing Pervin Aksoy İpekçioğlu, disagreed with the prosecutor's emphasis on negligence. Doğan argued, "There should be no debate between probable intent and gross negligence here. Any ruling other than probable intent will fail to deliver justice. We demand a precedent-setting decision to prevent future deaths. All defendants must remain detained, those on trial without detention must be arrested, and further defenses must be obtained."

The hearing underscores demands for accountability in one of the deadliest building collapses during Turkey's catastrophic earthquakes.