Taşcıer reacts to Amasra mine disaster verdict: 'If the ground is coal-black, today's verdict is the disgrace of the system'

In a written statement evaluating the matter, CHP's Taşcıer remarked, 'If the ground in Amasra is coal-black, then the verdict delivered today is the disgrace of the system.' Arguing that the ruling protects the true culprits and that the system has exonerated itself, Taşcıer contended that the sentences handed down would also prove ineffective during the enforcement process.

In her statement, Taşcıer emphasized that the incident was not a simple accident but an 'occupational homicide' resulting from negligence, stating, 'Justice is not in courtrooms, but in consciences.' The CHP deputy expressed that justice cannot be established in a system where incompetence and lack of oversight have become institutionalized. Taşcıer stressed that a change in mentality is essential to prevent such disasters from recurring.

Reacting to the verdicts announced in the trial regarding the massacre at the Turkish Hard Coal Authority (TTK) Amasra Establishment, where 43 miners lost their lives and nine were injured on October 14, 2022, Taşcıer noted the following in her statement:

'THE SYSTEM KILLED IN AMASRA, THE JUDICIARY EXONERATED'

''This verdict, which does not touch the real culprits and exonerates the political will and public officials, will remain only on paper. If the ground in Amasra is coal-black, then the verdict delivered today is the disgrace of the system. Because this is not just an occupational homicide; it is the result of incompetence, lack of oversight, political irresponsibility, and most importantly, injustice. Those who received sentences, even if they spend every single day of their sentence in prison without benefiting from conditional release, will remain in prison for only 4 months and 22 days for each worker whose death they are responsible for. The regime of impunity has now become institutionalized. The AKP government will be responsible for all potential future deaths from now on.''

'IF THE GROUND IS COAL-BLACK, THIS VERDICT IS THE DISGRACE OF THE SYSTEM'

''In a high-risk field like mining, activities carried out by incompetent managers always result in deaths and impunity. It is impossible to establish justice in a system where those who should be dismissed are promoted, and those who should be held accountable are protected and shielded. Today, we know that not only mines but also justice has collapsed in this country. The climate of impunity created by the government paves the way for every new occupational homicide. Because employers, bureaucrats, and political officials all know that they will not face any serious sanctions. For this reason, we say that if the ground is coal-black, this verdict is the disgrace of the system.''

'A REGIME OF IMPUNITY HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED'

''What happened in Amasra is not an 'accident,' but an occupational homicide that was coming in plain sight. It is a massacre that arrived step by step due to measures not taken. But unfortunately, the judicial process has targeted only a few individuals rather than the true culprits of this homicide, thereby protecting the system itself. This verdict has neither satisfied the sense of justice nor found a response in the public conscience. The highest sentence given after 43 lives were lost is 16 years and 12 months. However, we all know that with the current enforcement regime, these sentences will effectively be served for much shorter periods. This is, in effect, a regime of 'impunity.' The verdict delivered by the court today is a snapshot of a system in Turkey where occupational homicides are normalized, negligence is ignored, and incompetence has become systematic.''

'JUSTICE IS NOT IN COURTROOMS, BUT IN CONSCIENCES'

''For us, justice is not limited to decisions sought or announced in a courtroom; it is a social contract that protects the right to life. A society's will to live together survives through faith in the sense of justice. Justice is possible through a common ground where freedoms and responsibilities are distributed fairly. Justice manifests itself not only in courtrooms but also in the bread on the table, opportunities in education, hiring, taxes, and social respect. If people in a country say, 'I can get my rights in this system,' then there is justice there. Otherwise, that social contract is broken. Trust gives way to anger, and hope gives way to despair. That is why justice is not just a legal matter; it is a matter of conscience. The legitimacy of a government is as strong as the trust its citizens have in justice. When that trust is shaken, not only the law but the foundation of democracy cracks.''

'JUSTICE IS NEEDED BY EVERYONE'

''In this country, loyalty is rewarded, not merit. While those who do their jobs are purged, those who do not are promoted, and those who are negligent are protected. The painful part is that what is deemed appropriate for the families left behind by the deceased workers, for the public, and for social memory is only to be forgotten and for the injustice to be covered up. Unless this system changes and this mentality is held accountable, these pains will not end. Our duty today is to bring back to the agenda a social contract that will establish justice beyond any doubt and to make justice accessible, reliable, and sustainable for everyone. Because justice will be needed by everyone one day.''

News Source: 12punto