Dilovası fire victims' families demand justice for worker deaths

Families of the seven workers, including three children, who died in a fire at an illegal perfume filling facility in Dilovası, held a protest in front of the Social Security Institution (SGK) Izmit Provincial Directorate. The demonstration comes ahead of the fourth hearing scheduled for September 8.

The families and their legal representatives allege that the tragedy was not merely an accident caused by business owners, but was made possible through the complicity of public officials. They claim the facility operated with an illegal license despite numerous complaints and that relevant authorities, including the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality and the Kocaeli Fire Department, failed to perform necessary inspections or oversight. Additionally, they noted that workers were employed without social security coverage despite the facility's proximity to an employment agency (İŞKUR) building.

Legal counsel stated that they are fighting to ensure public officials are included in the indictment. While five defendants have been detained, families argue that dismissed officials have yet to be properly integrated into the case. The upcoming hearing is expected to address both company officials and public employees.