Grand Kartal Hotel fire victims' families demand justice

Families of the 78 people killed in the Grand Kartal Hotel fire in Bolu, Turkey, held a press conference to demand legal accountability. The fire, which occurred on January 21, 2025, resulted in 78 deaths, including 36 children.

Organized by the Kartalkaya Family Platform, the protesters gathered at the site of the hotel and the Bolu Courthouse to express frustration over the lack of legal action against public officials. Attorney Yüksel Gültekin, representing the families, criticized the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, alleging that the Minister has attempted to distance themselves from responsibility for the incident.

Gültekin stated that the families are seeking to hold those responsible for failing in their inspection duties accountable in court. The families emphasized that despite the passage of time, they continue to pursue justice through the prosecutor’s office and various high courts.