“Soma Commission Wasn’t Found to Find Culprits”

“The incident took place after the collapsing of roof and subsequently the burning of gas that filled up the gallery,” deputy Ali Rıza Alaboyun said. 

Following the mining disaster that took at least 301 workers in the western district of Soma, a parliamentary commission has been formed - an initiative that completed its duty. 

With its chairman Alaboyun from Justice and Development Party (AKP), the commission was initially formed on May 21. 

The commission held a press conference today, releasing the following information: 

* The commission started working on June 4, 2014. 23 experts were assigned with the commission. 

* 17 meetings were arranged at the parliament and 4 investigations were held including 3 in the incident scene. 

* The drafting of the report took 60 days with the first one released to the attention of commission members on October 22. 

* The final report will be submitted to the Parliament Chairman’s Office in mid-December. 

“We won’t give up on coal”

“The incident area had 600 million tons of coal reserves and Turkey is no position to give up on coal. 

“The aim [of the commission] is not to blame or defend anyone. We have departed as an investigation commission within duties specified in the Constitution. The gaps here must be investigated. [This incident] shouldn’t repeat again.   

“We have also specified the fault of the mine company. But we are not in a position to blame any individuals. The commission wasn’t found to find culprits. The prosecutor will have a lot to ask after reading this report though.”

“We make a point here in order to prevent an accident. If it didn’t happen in Panel C, it would definitely happen in Panel M. This was significant.”

Alaboyun also listed a series of technical factors that led to the workplace murder. (AS/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.