ANKARA
The trial over Turkey’s Soma mine disaster, which caused 301 deaths in May 2014, resumed Wednesday after having been adjourned Monday.
Forty-five defendants, eight of whom are already in custody, are to face proceedings in western Turkey.
The defendants include the CEO of Soma Holding -- Can Gurkan, as well as the general manager, Ramazan Dogru.
They are charged with murder; sentences can range from 20-25 years for each victim.
Twelve of the remaining 37 suspects are accused of causing multiple deaths and injuries through negligence. Additionally, 25 suspects of 37 face charges of "conscious negligence."
The trial had been adjourned Monday after plaintiffs' attorneys wanted to bring the eight defendants to the court at Manisa's Akhisar High Criminal Court.
The judge had ruled the eight defendants who are in custody in Izmir would give their statement via video link for security reason.
The attorneys claimed that to attend the case via video link was against to the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Soma disaster, which took place in Turkey's Aegean region, left 301 minders dead and injured 486 other on May 13, 2014.
The tragedy which is known the worst mining incident in Turkey's history, was caused by an explosion and fire which filled the mine's shafts with carbon monoxide gas, causing concerns about the work safety standards in the country's mines.
