Court sentences Şebnem Korur-Fincancı for 'terror propaganda,' orders her release

The head of the Turkish Medical Association was facing up to seven years in prison because of her remarks about alleged chemical weapon use in Türkiye's cross-border military operations.

Ruken Tuncel

Court sentences Şebnem Korur-Fincancı for 'terror propaganda,' orders her release

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) chair has been sentenced to 2 years, 8 months and 15 days in prison for "terror propaganda" because of her comments about chemical warfare allegations against Türkiye.

At the third hearing today (January 11), the İstanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court ordered the release of Şebnem-Korur Fincancı, who was remanded in custody in late October.

Rights advocates and TTB members also followed the hearing.

After the statements of Korur-Fincancı and her attorneys, the prosecutor stated their opinion as to the accusations, demanding Korur-Fincancı be sentenced to prison for "propagandizing for a terrorist organization" as per article 7/2 of the Anti-Terror Law and her arrest continue.

After a break, the court handed down its judgment, sentencing Korur-Fincancı and ordering her release.

The verdict was received with great joy both in the courtroom and outside of the courthouse, with people chanting slogans, "Professor Şebnem is our honor," "TTb is marching, the struggle is growing," and "Long live our organized struggle."

Also, many people headed to the Bakırköy Women's Prison, where Korur-Fincancı is held.

The TTB chair is expected to be released later in the day.

#SebnemKorurFincancı tahliye kararının ardından adliyede "Şebnem Hoca onurumuzdur" sloganları yükseldi pic.twitter.com/eKZPHntiRB
— Ruken Tuncel (@ruken_tuncel) January 11, 2023

What happened?

On October 18, the Fırat News Agency (ANF) released a video clip of two Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members who were allegedly exposed to chemical weapons during Türkiye's military operations in Iraq's Kurdistan region.

The clip showed a man having a seizure and a woman showing delirious behavior. Both people eventually died because of the exposure, according to the ANF report.

Commenting on the allegations for Medya Haber TV, Korur-Fincancı said, "I have examined the videos. Apparently, toxic gasses that directly [affect] the nervous system have been used," adding that the claims should be investigated by independent teams.

She was scapegoated after her statements and targeted by the pro-government media.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation against Korur-Fincancı for "propagandizing for a terrorist organization" and "insulting the Turkish nation, the Republic of Türkiye, and the bodies and institutions of the state."

On October 26, she was taken into custody following a police raid on her house and brought to Ankara. She was arrested by the court on the next day for "making propaganda of a terrorist organization."

The first hearing of her case will be held on December 23.

(RT/VK)

Ruken Tuncel

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