Former AKP mayor and two public officials in the crosshairs: Zoning law neglected

The Üzümkent Complex, which collapsed in the Besni district of Adıyaman during the February 6, 2023, earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, resulted in a tragedy. 83 people trapped under the rubble lost their lives, and 1 person was injured.

In the investigation conducted regarding the incident, a lawsuit was filed against 9 people, including the then-AKP Besni District Administrator and contractor Şükrü İşitmen, on charges of "causing death and injury by negligence." Prison sentences of up to 15 years were requested for the defendants.

INVESTIGATION PERMISSION FOR THREE PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Upon the expansion of the investigation, the Besni Chief Public Prosecutor's Office also took action regarding public officials. The Ministry of Interior placed 7 public officials, who were alleged to have responsibility in the incident, under scrutiny.

Following a detailed report prepared by the General Directorate of Provincial Administration, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya granted permission on September 24, 2024, for an investigation into the then-AKP Besni Mayor İbrahim Öztürk, former Director of Technical Affairs Ekrem Lenger, and Technical Officer Memet Yıldırım. The decision in question has been newly added to the investigation file.

ZONING LAW VIOLATED

The administrative review report prepared clearly demonstrated that the three public officials acted in violation of Zoning Law No. 3194. It was determined that the annexes to the renewal permits issued in 2004 lacked reinforced concrete projects, static calculation reports, and soil survey reports, in violation of regulations.

Although the basement floor was shown to be above road level in the projects, in reality, no basement floor was constructed, and it was not included in the permits. Despite this, occupancy permits were issued. It was determined that these documents bore the signatures of the then-Director of Technical Affairs Ekrem Lenger and Technical Officer Memet Yıldırım, and that the then-Mayor İbrahim Öztürk also approved these transactions.

INVESTIGATION PERMISSION NOT GRANTED FOR FOUR INDIVIDUALS

A different decision was reached for four public officials mentioned in the same file who were in office at the time of the incident. Permission for an investigation was not granted for the late former Besni Mayor Mustafa Oruçoğlu, former Director of Technical Affairs Mehmet Ali Emre, and two municipal employees.

News Source: 12punto