Yesterday (November 18) a trial began in İstanbul for 47 defendants accused of involvement in the ‘Newborn Gang’ scandal. In October, news broke regarding a criminal network that deliberately guided newborn children to private hospitals for unnecessary treatments with the goal of charging excessive medical bills. The operation is alleged to have resulted in the deaths of 10 newborn babies. The trial enters its second day today (November 19).
In yesterday’s hearing, the group’s alleged ringleader Fırat Sarı was questioned by the presiding judge. Hakan Doğukan Taşçı, a nurse working at Duygu Hospital with alleged involvement in the scandal, gave a statement denying his involvement but admitting he was acquainted with Sarı professionally.
Ten private hospitals in İstanbul have had their licenses cancelled as a result of the scandal.
Of the 47 suspects, several worked as nurses at these ten hospitals. An ambulance driver affiliated with the group is also a chief suspect in the trial.
At a separate meeting in Ankara today to determine the Ministry of Health’s 2025 budget, several opposition members of the Turkish Parliament protested Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu, who has received calls to resign as a result of the ‘Newborn Gang’ scandal.
Statements from Newborn Gang suspects
At today’s trial in İstanbul’s Bakırköy district, a suspected nurse at Duygu Hospital, Hasan Basri Gök, alleged during questioning from a judge that Fırat Sarı had been responsible for directing babies to the private hospitals, along with fellow suspects İlker Gönen and Mert Özdemir.
Gök admitted to earning 5000.Turkish Liras for each baby he delivered to the group,.and described the delivery system saying:.“Fırat Sarı knew doctors and got the babies from them. Some came from associates at the medical center, others from doctors working in emergency service.”
Hüseyin Günerhan, a nurse at the Esenler Güney Hospital, denied the.allegations, saying “I reject these allegations, there is no organization like this. No one was receiving orders from anyone. We just happen to be associated with the guilty doctors.”
During a separate line of questioning, ambulance driver Hüseyin Gündüz.denied charges in the indictment of “Aggravated fraud against public institutions.and organizations by trading currouf brand drugs invoiced to the SGK.[Turkish social security institution]”.
Fehmi Alperen, an employee at the emergency call center accused of directing.newborn babies to the private hospitals involved in the scheme, denied the accusations,.saying “I do not accept these accusations. I am a 112 call center employee. I have no connection with these people.”
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Former Turkish Prime Minister and current.Gelecek Party chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu also attending Tuesday’s hearing with his wife.
Written/translated for Medyascope by Leo Kendrick
