Yenidogan Gang Trial: Stunning Confessions and Serious Accusations
The second day of the “Neonatal Gang” trial in Istanbul, in which it is alleged that they made unfair profits by referring babies to contracted hospitals and caused infant deaths with their negligent behavior in the process, has ended. The confessions of Hasan Basri Gök, a nurse and one of the 47 defendants in the case, revealed important details about the functioning of the gang.
Gang Structure and Functioning
Gok, who testified at the hearing, explained that Fırat Sarı, the alleged leader of the gang, referred babies to hospitals of his choice without the 112 Emergency Service getting involved and that he made financial gain from this process.
His words: “Fırat Sarı was distributing money to everyone who donated. These referrals were only to make money.”
Allegation: Babies’ health conditions were overstated and high payments were received from the SSI.
Court Process
Bakırköy 22nd High Criminal Court is hearing the case against 47 defendants. While 22 of the defendants are under arrest, tight security measures are taken during the hearings.
Offenses of the Accused:
“Intentional homicide committed by negligent behavior,”
“aggravated fraud,”
“Establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime.”
Penalties The gang leaders Fırat Sarı and İlker Gönen face up to 582 years in prison. Ambulance driver Gıyasettin Mert Özdemir faces up to 589 years in prison.
Indictment and Accusations
The 1399-page indictment details the workings of the gang.
Objective: To obtain high payments from the SSI by making neonatal intensive care units look full.
Method: To aggravate the condition of babies to ensure more hospitalization time and to demand more money from their relatives.
Details on the Damages Caused by the Gang
The prosecutor’s office revoked the licenses of 9 Istanbul hospitals and 1 Tekirdağ hospital linked to the gang. Babies treated in these hospitals were transferred to public hospitals.
Legal Measures:
Closure of offending hospitals,
Seizure of their assets is demanded.
New Information Emerging in the Case
The testimonies of the defendants revealed that the gang worked systematically.
Threats to the Prosecutor: Threats against the prosecutor leading the investigation led to a wider scrutiny of the investigation.
Outcome: The arrest of the men who made the threats added a new dimension to the case.
Importance of this Case
The Neonatal Gang Trial highlights ethical violations and corruption in the health sector and emphasizes the importance of addressing such crimes that endanger the lives of babies. It is of great importance for both families and society that justice is served.
