Ezgi Apartment Collapse Case: Prosecutors Seek Up to 876 Years for Three Defendants

Prosecutors are seeking severe prison sentences for three individuals in connection with the collapse of the Ezgi Apartment building, a structure that became emblematic of the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The prosecution has requested up to 876 years and six months for two detained suspects and one suspect held without charge, citing charges of "intentional homicide by probable intent" and "intentional injury by probable intent."

The Ezgi Apartment, where 35 people lost their lives, was found to have had its supporting columns cut in a ground-floor patisserie. The indictment details that the detained patisserie operators, Sami Kervancıoğlu (60) and Mustafa Pekel (50), along with interior designer Ertan Danacı (54), allegedly interfered with structural elements during renovation. Prosecutors argue they performed actions like cutting columns and shear walls, which directly compromised the building's static integrity.

These individuals, possessing the knowledge and position to foresee the consequences, are accused of proceeding with their actions under a "come what may" attitude. The prosecution also seeks 22 years and six months for a technical supervisor, Mehmet Tekin (62), for "causing multiple deaths and injuries through conscious negligence." Additionally, seven individuals, including former municipal officials and engineers, face up to 15 years for "causing multiple deaths and injuries through negligence."

The case is proceeding at the Kahramanmaraş 4th High Criminal Court, with an additional expert report recently submitted. The prosecution's findings, prepared after this report, will be presented ahead of a July 6 hearing. The alleged modifications in the patisserie were identified as a key factor in the building's destruction.