Defendant in Sait Bey site collapse that became a grave for 44 people turns out to be AKP member Göksu's brother-in-law: Allegations of intervention

New scandals continue to emerge following the February 6 earthquakes.

Most recently, it has been revealed that Halil Yıldız, the primary defendant in the Sait Bey site trial who is held responsible for the deaths of 44 people, is a relative of Esenler Mayor and AKP member Tevfik Göksu. It is alleged that Halil Yıldız was released following intervention by Göksu.

UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE PROJECT

According to a report by İsmail Arı from BirGün; 44 people lost their lives in the Sait Bey site, which was built through urban transformation in the Dulkadiroğlu district of Maraş but collapsed during the February 6 earthquake. 

The Kahramanmaraş Chief Public Prosecutor's Office commissioned an expert report from seven academics at Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ). The report, which listed numerous irregularities, stated: “After the building's construction, operations not included in the project were performed. This negatively affected the building's load-bearing system.”

REVEALED TO BE A RELATIVE OF AKP'S GÖKSU

Following the investigation, an indictment was prepared seeking prison sentences ranging from 2 years and 8 months to 22.5 years for Sehay Building Inspection company owner Halil Yıldız, the site's contractor Hasan Çam—known for his proximity to the AKP—site supervisor suspect Halil İbrahim Us, static project and application inspection officer Yavuz Kaygısız, and building inspection company control officer Melike Yıldız. However, while the trial was ongoing, a new expert report was commissioned. In the report dated July 15, 2024, prepared by Turgay Coşgun, Cihan Öser, Mücteba Uysal, Hakkı Ekşi, and Barış Sayın, only Hasan Çam was found to be primarily at fault.

It was stated that for site supervisors Murat Kaş and Halil İbrahim Us, as well as defendants Halil Yıldız, owner of the Sehay Building Inspection firm, and application inspector Yavuz Kaygısız, “it could not be definitively stated that they failed to fulfill their duties and responsibilities, and therefore, no technical fault could be attributed to them.” Following this report, the Maraş 4th High Criminal Court decided on July 18 to release Halil Yıldız and application inspector Yavuz Kaygısız under judicial control. It has emerged that the released Sehay Building Inspection firm owner, Halil Yıldız, is the brother-in-law of Esenler Mayor and AKP member Tevfik Göksu. 

Halil Yıldız is the brother of Tevfik Göksu's wife, Hacer Yıldız. According to the allegations, Tevfik Göksu intervened to secure the release of his brother-in-law, Halil Yıldız. Furthermore, Halil Yıldız is being represented by Metin Doğan, the former AKP Kahramanmaraş Provincial Chairman.

THEY AVOIDED QUESTIONS

Additionally, Halil Yıldız, Tevfik Göksu, and other family members left all questions regarding the allegations unanswered.