Allegation regarding AFAD in Malatya: Was earthquake victim's right to housing removed using e-Devlet password?

According to allegations voiced on social media platforms and echoed widely in public opinion, an earthquake victim family in Malatya faced an allegedly irregular process claimed to be committed by AFAD (Afet ve Acil Durum Yönetimi Başkanlığı) officials. The user who shared the incident stated that their house was heavily damaged in the major earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023, which affected 11 provinces, and that this situation was officially determined by reports. The user recounted the developments step by step, stating that as a result of inspections by AFAD teams in their village, it was decided to demolish their house, and they accepted the demolition process with the promise that TOKİ would build a new house.

According to the claims, the process gained a legal dimension when the family won the number 6 house in the housing lottery conducted by the Cumhurbaşkanı. The user said that necessary debt instruments were issued, all official documents were delivered in full, they experienced no issues, but when it came to the key delivery stage, things changed record-breakingly. However, while they were in Malatya to receive their keys, they recounted what happened to their father, who is 92 percent disabled, and their mother, who is illiterate, stating that an unexpected situation occurred and caused the family great grievance.

The most striking part of the post, characterized as scandalous, concerns the details of the events alleged to have taken place at the Malatya AFAD building. According to the claim, when the family went to receive the house, AFAD officials asked the disabled father for his e-Devlet password and logged into the system using it. The user stated that they hold IP records showing login to the e-Devlet system from a computer at the Malatya AFAD building, but it is unknown what transactions were carried out on the system, and these transactions raise suspicion. This situation created question marks regarding the security of personal data and how procedures in official institutions are handled.

Another allegation that deepened the suspicions was that after logging into the father's e-Devlet account, a document was signed by the mother, who does not know how to read and write and uses a seal at the notary, even though she does not have signature authority. The user alleged that AFAD officials suggested, 'Bayram Amca, give your e-Devlet password. Let your aunt sign here too, we will give you your key.', leading them to sign the document, and immediately after this signing process, they faced a shocking response. It is not claimed that the family was sufficiently informed about what the signed document was and what it was for.

Consequently, it was announced to the family that their right to housing had been revoked and no house would be given. The user claimed that they were victimized despite holding all documents and participating in the lottery, with officials stating, 'Go back to wherever you came from. We have no house to give you. Your right to housing has been revoked.' All these allegations, which are trending on social media, are based on the personal claims of the user who made the post, and so far, no statement has been made by AFAD or other relevant official institutions denying or confirming the matter.