Two Public Officials Sued Over Deadly Collapse of Bad-ı Saba Residences in Earthquake

Prosecutors have initiated legal action against two municipal officials in Kahramanmaraş following the deadly collapse of the Bad-ı Saba Residences during the February 6 earthquakes. The building's failure claimed the lives of 42 people and left 17 others injured.

The indictment targets Arzu Özaydın, acting head of the Directorate of Zoning and Urban Planning at the Dulkadiroğlu Municipality, and Serap Binici, deputy head of the same directorate. They are accused of "conscious negligence leading to death and injury," with prosecutors seeking prison sentences of up to 22 years and 6 months.

According to the indictment, Özaydın and Binici were responsible for approving building permits and ensuring compliance with regulations during the construction phase. The prosecution argues that their failure to properly inspect projects and ensure adherence to laws and regulations, despite their professional knowledge and the region's seismic activity, constitutes conscious negligence. This is supported by expert reports and case law from the Court of Cassation.

Both Özaydın and Binici have denied the charges against them. The legal proceedings aim to establish accountability for the structural failures that led to the tragic loss of life and injuries in the Bad-ı Saba Residences.