Outrage Over Non-Prosecution in Istanbul Hospital Infant Deaths

The recent non-prosecution decision in the tragic deaths of two infants at Istanbul's Prof. Dr. Murat Dilmener Emergency Hospital has ignited outrage among the affected families. The incident, which occurred in August 2024, involved a burst hot water pipe and a subsequent ceiling collapse, leading to a chaotic evacuation during which Karan Şentürk and Uras Ege Çetin lost their lives. The families, represented by their lawyers, are vehemently contesting the court's decision, arguing that it dismisses crucial evidence and absolves those responsible.

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The non-prosecution decision states that there is no problem, no culprit. You push me, I fall and break my leg, and there is no one responsible here. Is such a thing possible?

Expert reports within the investigation dossier clearly indicate faulty plumbing and a lack of due diligence by the hospital administration. Despite prior warnings of water leaks, the hospital allegedly failed to undertake necessary repairs, a critical oversight that directly contributed to the disaster. The families, particularly the father of Karan Şentürk, Turgut Şentürk, view the non-prosecution ruling as a deliberate cover-up, questioning how such a catastrophic failure, with clear evidence of negligence, could result in no accountability.

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We went to a state hospital that we trusted. No one would want something like this to happen, but you have to take precautions, leave the rest to God. But you did not take precautions. A warning came from the same place a week ago, and nothing was done. Then, a hot water pipe at 80 degrees comes off its place, no one can cut the water for 25 minutes, there is no technical personnel, no one can enter the area, the fire department cuts the water after 25 minutes, and then you say there is no problem here, the personnel overseeing this place, the firm that did the installation, are not responsible. What are we supposed to believe?

"The non-prosecution decision states that there is no problem, no culprit. You push me, I fall and break my leg, and there is no one responsible here. Is such a thing possible?" Turgut Şentürk poignantly asked. He highlighted the lack of basic support and communication from hospital officials following the tragedy. The families' demand for a thorough investigation, a multidisciplinary expert review, and the initiation of public prosecution underscores their fight for justice and their refusal to let this matter be swept under the rug. This case, as reported by Cumhuriyet, reflects a deep-seated concern in Turkey about accountability in public institutions, especially when the safety of vulnerable populations is compromised.

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Not even an explanation was given. Did anyone call us after that day and ask, 'Do you need anything, how are you?' We couldn't make our voices heard. None of the officials said, 'We are with you, we will absolutely not tolerate such a situation.'