Updates on Defendant Statements in Newborn Gang Trial
In Istanbul, the trial of 47 defendants, including 22 who are currently in custody, continues today at the Bakırköy 22nd High Criminal Court. The defendants are accused of sending newborn babies to private hospitals’ neonatal units in advance to receive more money from the Social Security Institution (SGK), resulting in the deaths of at least 10 infants due to negligence and profiting unlawfully.
The trial, which began on November 18th, has entered its second phase with the court listening to the statements of the detained defendants initially. During the first six days of the trial, the defendants made their defenses, with some accepting allegations of irregularities but denying charges of intentional killing. Most of the families of the victims were not allowed to intervene in the trial due to their absence from the indictment.
Defendant Testimonies
One of the defendants, Nurse Renginar Molla, denied accusations of fraud or being a member of an organization. She stated that she only performed nursing duties and followed instructions given by doctors. Molla mentioned that she was directed by Fırat Sarı and Hasan Basri Gök when it came to paperwork, with Gök sometimes asking her to change the records of the infants. She claimed to have followed these instructions assuming they came from Sarı.
Molla further admitted to receiving money from Fırat Sarı, stating that she needed it for a trip abroad and asked for it. However, she claimed that Sarı never asked for the money back after providing it to her.
Court Proceedings
The court heard testimonies from five of the defendants who were released on bail during the previous session. Today, the court is set to continue listening to the statements of thirteen more defendants who are not currently held in custody. The defendants are facing a range of charges related to their involvement in the scheme to profit from sending newborns to specific hospitals for medical treatment.
The prosecution has presented evidence suggesting a systematic operation where infants were placed in neonatal units for financial gain, leading to tragic consequences for some of the babies. The defendants have been given the opportunity to present their defenses and refute the allegations brought against them.
Public Reaction
The case has garnered significant public attention and raised concerns about the safety and integrity of healthcare practices in Istanbul. The tragic deaths of the newborns due to alleged negligence and exploitation of the healthcare system have sparked outrage among the community.
Families of the victims have been vocal about seeking justice for their infants and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. The trial is being closely monitored by the public, with many calling for transparency and accountability in healthcare services to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the trial progresses, more details are expected to come to light regarding the extent of the defendants’ involvement in the scheme and the impact of their actions on the families of the deceased infants. The court will continue to hear testimonies and review evidence to reach a fair and just verdict in this complex and emotionally charged case.
