Relatives of the victims of last year's tragic fire in Hamdaniyah wedding are expressing their dissatisfaction with the court's decision regarding a suspect involved in the incident, deeming it "unfair."
The Nineveh Criminal Court handed down a 10-year prison sentence to the owner of Haytham Hall in Hamdaniya district of Nineveh Province on December 11 for the events that occurred on September 26. The fire at a wedding hall in Nineveh province resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 125 people and left twice as many injured.
"We completely reject the Nineveh court's ruling, as it is grossly unjust to all the victims who lost their lives or were harmed in this incident. We are baffled by the basis on which this decision was made," stated Rami Yalda.
The court's decision was based on Article 343 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which pertains to accidental fire causes. Victims and their families have the right to seek compensation.
Yalda, who lost six relatives in the fire, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling, saying, "No Christian finds solace in this verdict. However, we must entrust our grievances to God, as only He can restore our rights."
Hamdaniya wedding fire, released by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior
The Iraqi Interior Ministry established an inquiry committee to investigate the incident, revealing its findings on October 1, 2023. The committee concluded that while the fire was not intentional, negligence was evident on the part of the hall owner and those responsible for the fireworks.
Arrest warrants were issued for 14 individuals, including the hall owner, ten workers, and three individuals involved in the fireworks display.
The inquiry results prompted widespread protests among Christians in Hamdaniyah, who demanded an international investigation into the incident, suspecting foul play.
Hamdaniyah district, located southeast of Mosul, is predominantly Christian, while many villages are inhabited by the Shabak and the Ezidis (Yazidis).
