Soma Mining Disaster: Urgent Call for New Expert Report – Latest News from Turkey
The trial of 28 public officials in connection with the tragic mine disaster in the Soma district of Manisa, which occurred 10 years ago and resulted in the loss of 301 workers, has been ongoing. The defendants did not appear for the second hearing of the case at the Soma 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. Their lawyers argued that as public servants, their duties and authorities are well-defined, and they cannot exceed these boundaries. They requested the preparation of a new expert report.
The families and lawyers representing the complainants reiterated their request to join the case, pointing out that it was inappropriate to bring charges of “abuse of office” and that the court should refer the case to a higher criminal court due to the number of deaths and injuries. The prosecutor recommended rejecting the request for the court to decide on lack of jurisdiction.
The court panel decided to evaluate the family lawyers’ requests for participation at the next hearing and postponed the proceedings until December 25.
Following the hearing, representatives from the Izmir Bar Association, Manisa Bar Association, Ankara Bar Association, and relatives of the miners who lost their lives made statements expressing disappointment with the court’s decision. They highlighted the ongoing struggle for justice and the lack of closure for the families of the victims.
The tragic incident took place on May 13, 2014, when a fire broke out during a shift change at the Soma Kömürleri AŞ mine, resulting in the deaths of 301 workers. The subsequent legal battle led to the arrest of several officials from Soma Coal Enterprises Inc. and a series of court rulings.
After years of legal proceedings, the Supreme Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the local court in April 2022, confirming the guilt of some individuals involved in the disaster. The indictment against 28 public officials accused of negligence in the incident was accepted by the Soma 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, marking another chapter in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
