Photo Credit: Eylem Nazlıer – Evrensel
11 January 2023
After her third hearing today, 11 January 2023, Head of The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and Board Member of Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT) Şebnem Korur Fincancı is finally released!
Şebnem Korur Fincancı faced arbitrary arrest and judicial harassment for her human rights advocacy. The third hearing for her case was held on 11 January 2023. After having the defenses of Şebnem Korur Fincancı and her attorneys, Istanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court reached its final decision. The Court decided to sentence Şebnem to 2 years, 8 months and 15 days imprisonment. Since this conviction is not final, the Court also decided to release Şebnem from pre-trial detention.
Metin Bakkalcı, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT) stated, “We extend our sincere appreciation for solidarity shown for Şebnem and acknowledges the significant role of international solidarity for this release. With our international, regional and local partner organizations, we will continue to work for the consequent acquittal of Şebnem and putting an end to all forms of harassment against all human rights defenders in Turkey.”
We are happy to be able to embrace our dear Şebnem again!
However, we see the sentence given to her as a punishment to those who defend human rights, science and the right to health, and we do not accept it. #freeSebnem #ŞebnemKorurFincancı— TİHV-HRFT (@insanhaklari) January 11, 2023
Many people headed to the Bakırköy Women’s Prison, where Şebnem Korur Fincancı is held. She released later in the day.