Arrests over Turkey quakes increase to 298

Photo: AA/File

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The number of arrested related to the February earthquakes has risen to 298, the Justice Ministry announced today (March 20).

Among the arrested, 104 were contractors, 161 were building inspectors, 15 were building owners, and 18 were who made "illegal alterations" to buildings.

There are a total of 1,325 suspects. Prosecutors issued arrest warrants against 305 suspects and detention orders against 91 others.

Four suspects are found to be abroad and 58 died.

Some 118 suspects were released after giving statements.

On February 6, two earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6 struck the southern city of Maraş.

The quakes caused destruction in 10 cities in Turkey's south and southeast, as well as Syria's northern parts, where over 5,000 people were killed.

The official death toll from the quakes stands at over 50,000 and is expected to increase further, as over 227,000 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, according to government figures.

Also, about two million people were displaced after the quakes. (AS/VK)