Istanbul newborn gang trial sees defendants defend and forensic reports filed

In Istanbul's Bakırköy 22nd Heavy Penal Court, defendants accused of operating a "newborn gang" that allegedly diverted emergency infants to partner hospitals for profit have presented their defenses. Among the 61 accused, alleged gang leader Fırat Sarı denied the existence of an organized hierarchy and requested autopsy reports, while other defendants sought acquittal or the removal of judicial controls.

The court has received detailed reports from the Forensic Medicine Institute's Third Upper Board concerning ten infant deaths. The reports conclude that medical negligence – including failure to provide timely diagnosis, treatment, and resuscitation by doctors Dursun Eryılmaz, İlker Gönen and nurse Çağla Durmuş – was linked to the fatalities. The documents also note systemic issues such as bypassing emergency transport protocols, improper record‑keeping, and manipulation of laboratory results.

The proceedings are set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for 13 July.