# Turkey earthquake-related criminal trials

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-earthquake-related-criminal-trials
> Updated: 2026-09-11T11:02:00.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 2.

Legal proceedings in Turkey regarding building collapses during the February 6 earthquakes have resulted in several high-profile sentences. In the Ezgi Apartment case in Kahramanmaraş, which caused 35 deaths, bakery operators Sami Kervancıoğlu and Mustafa Pekel were sentenced to 8 years in prison for conscious negligence. While technical supervisor Mehmet Tekin received 6 years and 8 months, several municipal officials received sentences between 4 and 6 years.

These rulings have faced significant criticism. In the Ezgi Apartment case, the court ordered the release of the primary defendants under judicial control, a move described by victims' families and legal associations as an inadequate “reward” for those responsible. The prosecution has appealed this release.

Other ongoing legal matters include investigations into the Kırçuval Otel collapse in Malatya and the Avşar Otel collapse. Additionally, in Diyarbakır, a new expert report regarding the Serin-2 Apartment collapse, which killed 77 people, found that inadequate concrete quality and a cut structural column significantly reduced the building’s earthquake resistance.

## Claims

- The court sentenced Sami Kervancıoğlu and Mustafa Pekel to 8 years in prison for causing death and injury through conscious negligence. (disputed)
- The court ordered the release of Sami Kervancıoğlu and Mustafa Pekel under judicial control measures. (disputed)
- An expert report on the Serin-2 Apartment found that a structural column had been cut, reducing earthquake resistance. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The expert report concluded that the concrete quality used in the Serin-2 Apartment was seriously inadequate. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The prosecution appealed the release of the defendants, arguing the decision was contrary to law. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Technical supervisor Mehmet Tekin received a sentence of 6 years and 8 months in prison and a 2-year professional ban. (single source)
- Former municipal officials and engineers were sentenced to 4 years, 5 months, and 10 days in prison. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Turkey earthquake trials: Sentences issued in Ezgi and Serin-2 building collapses

Turkish courts have issued sentences in earthquake-related collapse cases, including 8-year terms for Ezgi Apartmanı defendants, though their release has sparked outrage among victims' families.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serin-2-apartment-collapse-report-cites-structural-failures

### 2026-09-09: Turkey issues major sentences in earthquake and murder trials

Turkish courts have issued several major rulings, including sentences for earthquake-related building collapses in Kahramanmaraş and Malatya, and life sentences for high-profile murder cases.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ali-bacak-appears-in-court-for-the-killing-of-his-wife-in-mula

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Cite as: Turkey earthquake-related criminal trials. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-earthquake-related-criminal-trials