villaggio Archives

3 min

Life

Qatar appeal court sets Oct. 26 date for Villaggio fire verdict

During closing arguments this week, defense lawyers blamed the media for “blowing things out of proportion” after the fire, which allegedly compelled the prosecutor to search for scapegoats to put on trial.

3 min

Life

Qatar court hears closing arguments in Villaggio Mall fire appeal

The defense attorney for Villaggio's chairman argued today that Nike employees and Civil Defense firefighters were also to blame for the 19 deaths that resulted from the 2012 blaze.

6 min

Life

Families of children killed in Villaggio fire file lawsuits in US, Qatar

The civil actions were filed at the end of last week and argue that the companies being sued "engaged in willful, wanton and reckless disregard" for the lives and safety of those who died in the fire.

3 min

Life

Qatar Emir promises ‘justice’ over Villaggio Mall fire deaths

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani apparently reiterated his desire for accountability over the 19 fire-related deaths when speaking to New Zealand’s Prime Minister this week, following a meeting in Istanbul.

4 min

Life

Qatar Nike store involved in Villaggio fire lacked proper safety permit

The information, which was never apparently introduced into testimony before, once again raised questions about why Nike was not among the individuals and companies charged in connection with the deadly 2012 blaze.

3 min

Opinion
Life

Opinion: Dreading the birthday of my triplets, who died in Qatar

Today, Lillie, Jackson and Willsher Weekes, who were killed in a fire at Villaggio Mall in 2012, would have turned five years old. For their mother, the milestone has reopened never-healed wounds, and spurred questions about Qatar's justice system.

4 min

Life

Tensions rise as Villaggio fire appeal hearing drags on

Several relatives of those killed in the fire expressed dismay following yesterday's hearing. Some unsuccessfully attempted to speak out during the session, while one stormed out in protest.

5 min

Life

Tears as TV footage of Villaggio fire played in Qatar appeal court

Also during Thursday’s hearing, a judge ejected one of the victim's parents for speaking out. The court also revisited some of the main issues raised during the criminal trial, such as whether Gympanzee was licensed as a nursery or a playroom for children.

4 min

Life

Villaggio fire appeal may ‘start from scratch’ after new judge appointed

Family members of the victims killed in the 2012 blaze said they were surprised that a new judge would begin presiding over hearings even though the appeal case has dragged on for 11 months.

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