Overview
- Six defendants, who went on trial Tuesday in Istanbul, face aggravated negligent killing charges that carry penalties of up to about 22 years.
- Investigators say a pest treatment used aluminum phosphide in a room below, which released phosphine gas when it met moisture and likely seeped into the family’s room through gaps around pipes or a vent.
- Prosecutors cite a pest-control firm that lacked permits, was registered as a cleaning company, and used an untrained worker, while the accused deny responsibility and blame one another.
- The family was first treated for suspected food poisoning and discharged, which the victims’ lawyer calls a fatal error as he presses for intent-based charges and accountability for medical staff.
- Relatives in court demanded the harshest sentences, and the case has renewed scrutiny of unsafe pesticide use in Turkey that has been linked to earlier poisonings and could spur tougher inspections.