Justice March to Ankara Begins for the 78 People Who Lost Their Lives in the Grand Kartal Hotel Fire

The "Justice March for 78 Lives", initiated for the 78 people who lost their lives in the terrible fire that broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu in recent months, has set off. This massive action, led by grieving families who lost their loved ones in the fire, officially kicked off with emotional press statements held in the garden of the Bolu Courthouse. Numerous civil society organization representatives and concerned citizens attended the program, showing their solidarity with the families. In the statements made before embarking on the approximately 186-kilometer long and exhausting journey, calls made to authorities and justice were repeated in unison. Following powerful and impactful speeches, the participants began the first leg of the march toward Ankara with great determination.

Av. Yüksel Gültekin, who lost 8 family members in the hotel fire and also serves as the legal representative for the victimized families, began his speech by thanking everyone who supported them in a tense and emotional atmosphere. Gültekin harshly criticized bureaucratic and legal obstacles, noting that the decision granting permission to prosecute Ministry of Tourism personnel had not been implemented for nearly 10 months. Arguing that despite months passing since the decision made by the First Chamber of the Council of State, no progress has been made in the file, Gültekin stated that the public officials responsible have still not been brought to justice. Addressing the authorities and the Minister of Justice directly, Gültekin emphasized that the prosecutor's office cannot handle this process alone and that they will follow the matter closely. Reminding that this is the third press conference held in front of the prosecutor's office building, the lawyer stated that no public official at fault can escape prosecution.

Oktay Akişli, who lost his mother, older brother, and 11-year-old nephew in the fire, delivered a deeply moving speech, sharing the indescribable pain he experienced. Akişli criticized the fact that the prosecution process has still not commenced for the Ministry of Tourism, the bureaucrats affiliated with the ministry, and the officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, who were clearly determined to be primarily at fault within the scope of the investigation. Emphasizing that no one, regardless of their position or title, can be prioritized above the law in this process where trust in justice and the legal system has been shaken, he stated that the families' only demand is not revenge or privilege, but for justice to be served through all state institutions. Stating that every step they take and every kilometer they walk is dedicated to the memory of the 78 lives lost, he said they have initiated a silent march of conscience.

This long justice march, which will cover approximately 186 kilometers, will follow a very specific route starting from Bolu and extending to Turkey's capital, Ankara. On this journey, where participants blend their fatigue with hope; in the first stage, Yeniçağa and Gerede will be passed, followed by the direction of Kızılcahamam, Çeltikçi, and Kahramankazan. As they pass through these towns and districts, it is aimed that the support of the local people and non-governmental organizations will grow the action and make its voice louder. Taking breaks along the route to reiterate their demands, the group will finally reach the Ankara city center by passing through Yenimahalle. The planned finale of this challenging and long marathon will conclude with a massive press statement and rally to be held on 18 July at Ulus Meydanı, the heart of Ankara.

The families and the lawyers supporting them explicitly stated that they will fight with determination and will not give up during this extremely challenging and long journey. Filing criminal complaints against public officials for whom their respective ministries have not granted prosecution permission, and calling to account all negligences in the process, are among their top priorities. Gültekin and Akişli promised to continue this march and search for justice until they die, in memory of the 78 innocent people who lost their lives due to the aforementioned negligences and shortcomings. Setting out with the slogan, "Incomplete justice is not justice," the group invites all citizens of the country and relevant institutions to support and embrace this righteous struggle. This march, a silent yet equally powerful form of protest, is seen as an indicator of concrete steps to be taken in the legal dimension of the fire tragedy that has occupied Turkey's agenda in recent months.