By John Ikani
The Turkish government is cracking down on building contractors, following the devastating earthquake that has claimed the lives of over 28,000 people.
A special investigative unit, the “Earthquake Crimes Investigation Unit,” has been formed by the justice ministry to look into the role of contractors in the collapse of buildings.
The unit has taken into custody, over 100 contractors, who are suspected of violating construction codes and contributing to the disaster.
One contractor, who was responsible for a block of luxury high-rise flats that crumbled in Hatay province, was caught at the airport as he tried to flee the country.
Other contractors were arrested during investigations launched by public prosecutors in affected provinces.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country on Monday, causing the collapse of over 6,000 buildings and leaving countless others injured.
Despite the rescue efforts, Turkish citizens have expressed frustration over the slow pace and have called for the government to accelerate the process.
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