Prosecutor Seeks Maximum Penalties in 'Illegal Circumcision' Case Leading to Child's Limb Loss

A prosecutor in Kayseri, Turkey, has called for the maximum penalties against three individuals facing charges related to a botched circumcision that resulted in a 7-year-old boy suffering irreversible limb loss.

The prosecution is seeking convictions for "intentional negligence causing injury that endangered life and resulted in limb loss" and for violating the Law on the Practice of Medicine and Medical Specialties. The incident occurred in an unauthorized private health clinic in the Develi district.

During the trial at the Develi 2nd High Criminal Court, the defendants, identified as H.Ç., S.T., and S.D., maintained their innocence. H.Ç. claimed he did not present himself as a doctor and only performed a dressing change, stating, "I only performed the medical intervention required of me. I have been in the profession for 30 years, working in operating rooms for 14 years." S.D. and S.T. asserted they had no connection or communication with the child or his family and requested acquittal.

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I only performed the medical intervention required of me. I have been in the profession for 30 years, working in operating rooms for 14 years.

The victim's father, Y.B., expressed his anguish over his son's condition, stating, "My child lost his limb, every day of ours is poisoned. My child is walking with a catheter and has undergone 13-14 surgeries during this process." He questioned the future of his son, emphasizing that his child's life is not cheap.

The court has adjourned the trial, allowing the defense attorneys time to prepare their responses to the prosecution's demands. The travel ban and judicial control measures for the three defendants remain in effect. The incident, which occurred in August 2024, led to the child developing gangrene shortly after the procedure, necessitating extensive medical intervention.

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My child lost his limb, every day of ours is poisoned. My child is walking with a catheter and has undergone 13-14 surgeries during this process. What will happen to my child? My child's life is not cheap.