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Turkey earthquake victim justice protests

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2026-09-21 17:22 UTC → 2026-09-21 18:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Families of victims from the February 6 earthquakes in Turkey have initiated ongoing protests to demand legal accountability and justice. The Adalet Peşinde Aileleri Platform (Families Seeking Justice Platform) initially demonstrated at the Court of Cassation, questioning the response of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). Protesters highlighted that AFAD had prepared risk assessment reports predicting high-magnitude earthquakes between 2019 and 2021, yet the agency was reportedly “uncoordinated and absent” from regions like Hatay and Adıyaman during the first three days of the disaster. As the demonstrations continued, protesters moved their efforts to the Ministry of Justice. The vigil reached 11 days, with demonstrators demanding a meeting with Justice Minister Akın Gürlek to address grievances regarding the slow legal process, the lack of indictments in specific cases, and the perceived impunity of public officials. Protesters expressed frustration over delayed indictments in high-profile cases, such as the Rana and Arı apartment buildings, and the treatment of fugitive defendants. Following the 11-day protest, Deputy Justice Minister Can Tuncay met with members of the platform. During this meeting, families presented their demands and evaluations regarding the ongoing investigation and prosecution processes in the earthquake-affected regions. The Ministry of Justice stated that the issues raised would be carefully evaluated and that developments in judicial processes across the 11 affected provinces would be discussed with relevant Chief Public Prosecutor deputies. The Ministry also noted that its Department of Natural Disasters and Accidents will continue to monitor relevant files while respecting the principles of judicial independence. During the meeting, platform representative Celal Gezer noted that the group felt Ministry officials were not fully aware of specific legal irregularities they had documented. The families and the Ministry have agreed to meet again in one month to review progress and the implementation of requested adjustments.

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