**NICOSIA** – A wave of profound disappointment and indignation has swept through the Turkish Cypriot community following a court's decision to release six former public officials implicated in the catastrophic collapse of the Isias hotel in Adiyaman, Turkey. The ruling, delivered on Monday, has been met with staunch condemnation from political leaders and resolute vows from victims' families to escalate their pursuit of accountability through higher legal channels.
The devastating incident, which claimed the lives of 72 individuals, including 35 Turkish Cypriots and a significant contingent of 24 young members of the Famagusta Turk Maarif Koleji (TMK) school volleyball team, known affectionately as the "champion angels," has left an indelible scar on the island. The subsequent trial of former officials, accused of negligence and complicity in the construction and maintenance failures that led to the hotel's demise, has been a focal point of grief and a desperate search for closure for the bereaved.
The decision by the First High Criminal Court in Adiyaman to grant bail to the six accused has been unequivocally rejected by the leadership in North Cyprus. Tufan Erhurman, the Turkish Cypriot leader, articulated a sentiment shared by many, stating that while the proceedings in Adiyaman might have reached a temporary conclusion, "the pursuit of justice is not." This sentiment was echoed by 'prime minister' Unal Ustel, who emphatically declared that for the Turkish Cypriot community, "the Isias case is not over for us, and it is still ongoing." These pronouncements underscore a collective refusal to accept the current outcome as final and signal a determined front against what is perceived as a miscarriage of justice.
The families of those who perished in the rubble are particularly devastated. Having endured unimaginable loss, they viewed the trial as a crucial step towards holding those responsible accountable for the alleged dereliction of duty. Their immediate response has been to prepare for an appeal, with plans to take the case to higher courts in Gaziantep and Ankara. This protracted legal battle signifies their unwavering commitment to securing justice for their loved ones, refusing to let the matter rest with the Adiyaman court's decision.
The collapse of the Isias hotel has long been attributed to a confluence of factors, including alleged systemic issues such as a "lack of oversight, favouritism, and turning a blind eye" during its construction and subsequent operational periods. These allegations have fuelled the widespread belief that the released officials bear significant responsibility for the tragedy. The court's decision to acquit them, at least temporarily, has only served to intensify these accusations and deepen the pain felt by the victims' families, who are now bracing for an even more arduous and emotionally taxing legal journey.
The Turkish Cypriot leadership has pledged their unreserved support for the victims' families, committing to monitor the legal process closely and to stand alongside them in their quest for justice. This unified stance highlights the profound impact of the Isias disaster on the community and reinforces the determination to see this case through to its ultimate conclusion, irrespective of the hurdles that lie ahead. The hope now rests on the appellate courts to deliver a verdict that aligns with the community's deep-seated yearning for accountability and remembrance of the "champion angels" and all those lost.