The case concerning the deaths of five prisoners who burned to death in a fire that broke out in a prison transport vehicle traveling from Van to Istanbul in 2011 ended in acquittal 14 years later. It was determined that the fire was caused by maintenance deficiencies in the vehicle and malfunctions that occurred after refueling.
Four expert reports were prepared in the case against driver Cafer Sarı and commander İsmail Bostan, who were charged with “causing death by negligence.” Following the Court of Cassation’s reversal decisions, the case was concluded by the Criminal General Assembly on June 11, 2025. The Chamber upheld the acquittal, characterizing the fire as an “sudden and unforeseeable technical malfunction.” No one was punished for the deaths of the five prisoners.
November 7, 2025
Kısa DALGA