Trial Commences in Turkey for Dozens Accused in Newborn Death Scheme

A trial has commenced in Turkey involving forty-seven individuals linked to an alleged scheme where newborn babies were moved between medical facilities for financial gain. According to prosecutors, doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers bear responsibility for the fatalities of at least ten infants. The accused are alleged to have issued incorrect diagnoses to facilitate the transfer of babies to nineteen private hospitals, where these infants were reportedly held in neonatal intensive care units for extended, and at times, unneeded medical procedures. The 1,400-page indictment states that participants in the scheme divided the social security payments generated for each day a baby remained in a unit. The defendants, however, refute any misconduct, asserting that their decisions were made in good faith and that they provided the infants with the highest standard of care. Dr. Firat Sari, one of the individuals on trial, informed prosecutors that all actions were carried out “in accordance with procedures,” as reported by the Associated Press news agency. Concurrently with the trial’s commencement, dozens of individuals staged a demonstration outside the courthouse located near Istanbul, shouting slogans such as “baby killers will be held accountable” and “private hospitals should be shut down,” AP further noted. Law enforcement initiated an investigation in March 2023 after receiving an anonymous tip. Consequently, ten hospitals have had their operating licenses rescinded following the findings of this inquiry. Should they be convicted, the defendants could receive substantial prison terms for charges including “homicide through negligence,” fraud, and forgery.