Trial of Defendants Charged with Death by Electric Current in Izmir
The legal proceedings have commenced in the case of the tragic deaths of two individuals who were electrocuted while seeking shelter from a heavy rainstorm in the Konak district of Izmir. A total of 42 defendants, with 13 of them currently in custody, are facing charges that could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment. Among the defendants is Barış Koç, the Head of the Sewerage Department at İZSU, who has pointed the finger at the company responsible for the incident.
The case involves the deaths of Özge Ceren Deniz, 23, who was electrocuted while crossing a puddle during the rain on July 12, and İnanç Öktemay, 44, who tragically lost his life while trying to come to her aid. The indictment, prepared by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, accuses the defendants of “causing the death of more than one person through conscious negligence,” with potential prison sentences of up to 22.5 years being sought.
During the trial, defendants such as İZSU General Manager Gürkan Erdoğan, former general manager Ali Hıdır Köseoğlu, and Gdz Electricity Distribution General Manager Uğur Yüksel appeared before the judge to answer to the charges laid out in the indictment. While all arrested defendants were present in court, some non-arrested defendants participated either in person or through remote means.
In their defense, the defendants asserted their innocence and pointed to external factors, denying any responsibility for the tragic incident. The arrested defendant Arif Kapuş, a private company owner involved in the İZSU project, maintained that he utilized appropriate materials according to technical specifications and requested release and acquittal.
Barış Koç, the head of the Sewerage Department, highlighted the lack of action taken by the responsible company despite prior warnings of potential hazards. He emphasized the need for improved communication and collaboration to prevent future accidents, requesting a release from detention for trial.
As the trial continues, the families of the victims, as well as various officials and representatives, are closely following the legal proceedings in hopes of justice for the lives lost in this tragic incident.
