Şebnem Korur Fincancı on Trial

Bianet 16 April 2010
No criticism of the Forensic Institute

Translation by DTFDemocratic Turkey Forum Article in Turkish

There are various court cases against Prof. Dr. Şebnem K. Fincancı, chairwoman of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFTHuman Rights Foundation of Turkey ) because she criticized the Forensic Institute and staff.

On case is heard at Kadıköy (Istanbul) Penal Court No. 4. It was opened on complaint of Nur Birgen, chairing the 3rd department of expertise at the Forensic Institute. She had complained that Şebnem K. Fincancı had insulted her in an interview she gave to the daily Taraf. Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code provides for a sentence of between three months and two years' imprisonment. At the hearing on 15 April Mrs Fincancı and her lawyer Meriç Eyüboğlu were present.

The lawyer stated that the interviews had criticized the structure of the Forensic Institute, the lack of scientific work and independence. The hearing was adjourned to 22 June 2010.

Two more cases are related to interviews in the papers Gerçek Gündem and Birgün. The hearing related to the interview in Gerçek Gündem appeared on 22 July 2009 will start on 21 June 2010. Mrs Fincancı is on trial with the responsible person for the Website, Barış Yarkadaş.

On 21 July 2010 Şişli Peace Court No. 4. will hear the case related to the interview in Birgün.