Police continue investigation into Beşiktaş nightclub tragedy
A court hearing was held by the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court regarding the tragic fire disaster that occurred in a nightclub, resulting in the loss of 29 lives. The hearing was attended by 5 detained defendants, unarrested defendants, their lawyers, complainants, their lawyers, and the audience. Some complainants participated in the hearing via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) from courthouses in their respective cities.
During the hearing, witness Berna Çaltepe, an accounting manager at the nightclub, testified that she has been working at the venue since 2011 and handles all financial matters. She mentioned that the owner, Şahzade Şekergümüş, was like a father to her and that safety measures were in place, such as fireproof materials for the walls and regular fire extinguishing equipment renewal.
Another witness, Engin Eser, a waiter at the nightclub, stated that although he was off duty on the day of the incident, he went to work because he loved his job. He mentioned that everyone was called to the venue on the day before the event to help set up a stage, leading to the tragic fire outbreak.
The detained defendant, Dursun Çelik, clarified that the employees went to the venue for work purposes and not to start a fire. He mentioned that the sequence of events leading to the fire outbreak can be seen in the videos.
Following the testimonies, the court announced its interim decision to continue the detention of the detained defendants and schedule an investigation at the scene on Monday, October 21. The hearing was postponed to November for further proceedings.
The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office lists 29 victims, 27 complainants, and 9 defendants related to the tragic fire incident. It highlights the lack of safety measures at the nightclub, such as emergency lighting, functioning fire extinguishing systems, and direction signs, which led to the loss of lives.
The defendants face charges of causing death and injury through conscious negligence, with the prosecution requesting imprisonment for those responsible. Additionally, public officials, including Beşiktaş Municipality Deputy Mayors and Fire Department personnel, are also implicated in the case for “abuse of office” and negligence resulting in casualties.
As the legal proceedings continue, the families of the victims seek justice and accountability for the tragic loss of their loved ones in the devastating nightclub fire.
