Forty-seven people are on trial in Turkey over an alleged scam involving the transfer of newborns between hospitals for profit. Prosecutors claim that doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers are responsible for the deaths of at least 10 babies.
The accused face charges of falsifying diagnoses to move babies to 19 private hospitals, where they were allegedly kept in neonatal intensive care units for extended, and sometimes unnecessary, treatments.
According to a 1,400-page indictment, the defendants shared the social security payments generated from each baby’s stay. However, the accused deny any wrongdoing, insisting that they acted in good faith and provided the best care for the babies.
One of the accused, Dr. Firat Sari, told prosecutors that all actions were taken “in accordance with procedures,” as reported by the Associated Press.
As the trial began, dozens of protesters gathered outside the courthouse near Istanbul, chanting, “baby killers will be held accountable” and calling for the closure of private hospitals.
The investigation was launched in March 2023 after an anonymous tip-off. As a result of the probe, 10 hospitals have had their licenses revoked.
If convicted, the defendants could face long prison sentences on charges of “homicide through negligence,” fraud, and forgery.
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