Sebnem Korur Fincanci sentenced to nearly three years in prison for disseminating ‘terror organisation propaganda’.
A court has convicted the president of the Turkish Medical Association of disseminating “terror organisation propaganda” following a trial that human rights groups have denounced as an attempt to silence government critics.
The court in Istanbul on Wednesday sentenced Sebnem Korur Fincanci to nearly three years in prison but also ordered her released from pre-trial detention while she appeals the verdict.
Fincanci, 63, was arrested in October and charged with engaging in propaganda on behalf of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The arrest followed a media interview in which she called for an independent investigation into allegations that the Turkish military used chemical weapons against Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq.
The PKK alleged that 17 of its fighters had died last year in Turkish chemical weapons attacks in the mountains of northern Iraq.
Fincanci is the latest activist to be convicted under Turkey’s broad “anti-terrorism” laws. The forensic expert has spent much of her career documenting torture and ill-treatment and has served as president of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey.
During her trial, Fincanci rejected accusations that she engaged in propaganda during the interview, arguing that she gave a professional opinion.
The charges stemmed from an interview she gave to the pro-Kurdish Medya Haber TV outlet in which she commented on a video purporting to show the use of chemical weapons. She suggested that a toxic gas may have been released but also called for an “effective investigation”.
Fincanci told the court on Wednesday that she did not expect a fair trial. She cited a Turkish poll showing that “one out of every two people believes that people are in prison based on what they think”.
“In this country, killing people is not enough to keep people in prison, but giving your scientific opinion causes people to go to prison,” the Media and Law Studies Association, a court-monitoring group, quoted her as saying.
Turkey denies chemical weapons use
Turkish officials have denied allegations that the country has used chemical weapons, insisting that its military does not have such weapons.
The PKK has led an armed uprising against the Turkish state since 1984. The group is considered a “terrorist organisation” by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.
Fincanci’s comments have caused a backlash. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused her of slandering Turkey’s armed forces and of insulting her country “by speaking the language of the terrorist organisation”.
He said he would introduce measures to clear the Turkish Medical Association and other professional organisations of “supporters of the terrorist organisation”. In October, the justice minister said his ministry was working on new regulations.
Devlet Bahceli, the leader of a far-right nationalist party that is allied with Erdogan’s ruling party, went further and demanded that Fincanci be stripped of her Turkish citizenship and the association shut down.
The association, which has about 110,000 members across Turkey, had drawn the ire of government officials for questioning government data and criticising some measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The courtroom was packed on Wednesday, and an EU delegation, human rights groups and Fincanci supporters observed the trial.
Ahead of the hearing, Ole Johan Bakke of the Standing Committee of European Doctors said the group was “deeply concerned about the continuous harassment of the Turkish Medical Association from the Turkish government and authorities”.
The World Medical Association has described the case against Fincanci as “unfounded, unlawful and unacceptable” and had called for her immediate acquittal.
The Istanbul court sentenced Fincanci to two years, eight months and 15 days in prison. She is expected to appeal the verdict.
Exhibition Stand Contractors In Saudi Arabia
If you’re searching for exhibition stand contractors in Saudi Arabia, you should be aware of some things to bear. You must ensure you choose a firm that can design and build your stand so that you are assured that the display will look impressive and draw attention at your party. This can only be achieved by selecting an experienced and professional company to partner with.
Exhibition Stand Builders In Saudi Arabia
If you plan to promote your business in Saudi Arabia, you will require the assistance of the most skilled exhibition stand makers. They will design an exhibit that is distinctive and pleasing to the eyes. They also have a marketing team to assist you with the promotion. After the event is over, they’ll provide the items.
The ideal exhibition stand will bring a significant difference to an event. It’s an effective way to promote your company’s image and be noticed by your audience. But the most critical aspect of the exhibit is choosing the appropriate display stand to meet your requirements.
If you’re looking for the most influential exhibition stand, you must consider Stands Bay Company. Stands Bay Company. They not only build an outstanding frame, but they can also provide you with the security of knowing that the stand will last for a long time.
For instance, their team is proficient in printing graphics, 3D visualization and printing. They can also provide transportation.
Exhibition Stand Contractors and Designer
Saudi Arabia is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an ideal location to promote your services and products. The region hosts a variety of trade shows each year and brings together multinational corporations from around the world. Exposing in this region will allow you to get the most ROI possible for your company.
However, you should seek professional designers for your exhibition stand or builder to ensure you receive the highest quality outcomes. They can build your display to meet your specific requirements. A well-designed exhibition stand can help your company’s image to the forefront, allowing you to create a positive impression on potential customers.
The style of your exhibit stand should be attractive and captivating. Also, it must be practical and functional. To achieve this, choose the design of your exhibit business with years of industry expertise.
It is also essential to choose an exhibition stand maker that has the best staff of specialists. This will assist you in achieving your goals and remaining on budget.
Exhibition Stand Designing In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the perfect venue to promote your business. In reality, thousands of companies from both international and local are choosing to exhibit at the numerous trade shows in the country.
Creating an original, stunning and practical design for your exhibition stand is essential to succeed on these occasions. This will allow your business to be noticed quickly. Display stands can be adapted to various industries, making it possible to promote a variety of goods.
The best method of doing this is to hire an experienced designer of exhibition stands. A professional will ensure that you reach your goals within your budget and that your display performs to its maximum potential.
One of them is Stands Bay LLC. They provide a wide range of products, which include fabrication, design and printing. Their knowledgeable team can assist you in planning and executing an exhibition display that is not just effective but also visually pleasing.
Exhibition Stand Company in Saudi Arabia
Each every year, Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of trade exhibitions. These shows are an excellent chance to display your services and products. It is a dream destination for hundreds of exhibitors across the globe. It is possible to earn the most ROI from exhibiting in Saudi Arabia.
A reputable company for exhibitions in Saudi Arabia can provide you with all the exhibition services you need in one location. With its skilled team of professionals, you can be confident that your stand is built according to your requirements and within the budget, you have set.
