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Rule of LawTurkey

Istanbul hotel poisoning deaths go to trial in Turkey

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Julia Hahn in Istanbul, Turkey
April 21, 2026

In Turkey, several defendants are facing long prison sentences over the deaths of a German-Turkish family, poisoned by pesticides in an Istanbul hotel in November 2025.

A German-Turkish family from Hamburg died during a holiday in Istanbul after being exposed to toxic phosphine gas used for illegal pest control at their hotel. Forensic findings showed aluminum phosphide had been used in living areas.

Turkish prosecutors are now seeking prison terms of up to 22 years for six defendants, including the hotel owner. The case has raised concerns over hotel safety in Turkey as authorities promise stricter inspections.

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