During the investigation, 14 suspects were detained, ultimately leading to 32 people standing trial, including hotel staff and local officials.
The court sentenced 11 defendants to 34 life sentences for each of the deceased children and 44 life sentences for the other victims. The court did not consider any mitigating circumstances. Among those convicted was the hotel owner.
Earlier, in his testimony, he pointed to the staff — the head chef, kitchen employees, an electrician, and security guards — as the ones responsible for the safety violations that led to the tragedy.
The fire at Grand Kartal became one of the most serious disasters at tourist facilities in Turkey in recent years.
