Turkey has launched an investigation into 1,364 people who may be responsible for the destruction of buildings as a result of the earthquakes that occurred in the country in February. This was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an interview with Turkish media, which was broadcast on his Twitter page.
“Investigative actions have been started against 1364 persons. 302 suspects were arrested. Another 312 people have been issued detention warrants,” Mr. Erdogan said. According to him, among those arrested are 106 contractors, 163 foremen and 18 suspects who made changes to the design of buildings.
The Turkish President noted that some of the 466 suspects were released on bail. Among them – 85 contractors, 56 building owners and 34 people who made changes to the building design. “The courts continue to work, they will soon receive indictments and all the guilty will answer to justice,” Mr. Erdogan said.
According to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, today, March 23, the foundations of the first houses will be laid, which will be built in the disaster zones. A total of 650,000 buildings will be built.
On the night of February 6, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck southeastern Turkey, and another one of magnitude 7.6 later that day. The consequences were also felt in Syria, Libya, Lebanon and other countries in the region. Turkish authorities have estimated the total damage from earthquakes at almost $104 billion. According to the latest data, more than 50,000 people died as a result of earthquakes.
