Şebnem Korur-Fincancı: The truth makes us human

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Prof. Şebnem Korur-Fincancı, head of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and a professor of forensic medicine was arrested after her remarks calling for an investigation into the allegations of use of chemical weapons and has been in Sincan F type prison since October 27.

Responding to our questions in a letter from prison, she said, "As Becket is saying, we can be defeated, we will be defeated again but better but these defeats are temporary, the real defeat is to give up the struggle."

"I had already prepared my bag for detention"

Korur-Fincancı told us about her detention by the police, the investigation and arresting proceedings, the "news" about her circulated in media close to the government, the prison she is experiencing once more and how her attitude will be from now on.

Did you know about the investigation before the police raid and the detention? Did you already have a plan to go and give your statement?

Of course I knew about the investigation before. I had learned about it while I was in Germany and therefore I was expecting that they would welcome me on the plane or at the airport exit.

Because my lawyers were giving information to the prosecution office everyday about the date I would be returning and the date I could go to Ankara in order to give my statement to which they responded "We will communicate to you." They had also informed the prosecution that I was planning to go to Ankara on Thursday. I had already prepared my bag for detention after unpacking my suitcase on my return from Germany on Sunday.

Nobody came on Monday or Tuesday morning but they came on Wednesday before I went to Ankara on Thursday.

Medical "examination" in anti-terror department

How was the attitude of the security forces on the day of the detention and when you were taken to Ankara? Did the comply with the legislation and respectful of human rights? Were you subject to maltreatment?

Those who came to visit me in the morning were very crowded. I guess it was around 06:30. They were excessively polite and respectful. And they also made the search very carefully without scattering anything. Video was shot at all stages.

I later learned that these videos were edited in an artistic way and broadcast claiming "terror evidence" was found. Bejan Matur's book called "Looking Behind the Mountain" (Dağın Ardına Bakmak) and two 7,62 MKE bullets falsely presented as kalashnikov bullets were presented as terror evidence.

I did not have any problems on the way or during the detention. Of course it was sad that my colleague who came for the medical examination during detention made the "examination" at the anti-terror department of the police headquarters, instead of going to a health institution, arguing that they do not want to make me tired.

And on the next day, apart from waking me up at 05:45 in order to take to the court in a hurry, and the process of giving my statement which lasted until late, not being able to sleep and being tired, I can say that they have complied with the rules, formally at least.

They interpreted my statements as "contradictory'

Were you able to express yourself during the interrogation by the prosecution or the judge? How do you evaluate the content of the investigation, and the accusations made?

I expressed myself both at the anti-terror department, at the prosecution office and in the court; but when I read the arrest warrant I see that I was not able to express myself well.

One prosecutor has told me, having given her 37 years to forensic medicine, that he knows about forensic medicine. Even this reflects much on our relations with scientific knowledge and scientific work.

In the request for arrest and then in the arrest warrant it is written that there is a "contradiction" in my statements. So I can understand this as not being successful enough in expressing myself.

We as defenders of human rights classify the date in our hands as primary and secondary (indirect) data. Data from social media and photographs, videos and the similar are evaluated as secondary/indirect data. We comment on what we see and we express what should be done in order to reach a conclusion according to some guidelines.

However both the prosecutor and the judge thought that there was a contradiction between me first "establishing the facts" and then saying it should be investigated. Clearly we have to continue expressing ourselves.

"Perception management as always in last 20 years"

An anti-propaganda started for you in the media close to the government following your detention. Were you able to see these and what do you think about the same?

I was only informed by my lawyers since I do not have access to any media. Was I surprised? Of course no. Lies and perception management is the norm in the last 20 years. It is clear that they need this.

Although in the TV program where I talked, I did not say one word on where the chemical gas which could have caused the symptoms similar to toxic influences even once, they attached Turkish Armed Forces and Republic of Türkiye themselves and they played this game. We are used to the many ways of criminalizing people.

"I received my books and my letters"

You are not a stranger to prison conditions, you have a former experience. How are the conditions in Sincan prison, were you subject to any maltreatment or violation of rights? Can you get access to what you need and were you able to talk to other prisoners?

My former experience was short, only 10 days you know. Even so I knew that you had to write a petition for each of your demands, the weekly canteen limit and the daily rhythm.

Where I stay is prepared for women with children. It is a huge place with 8 rooms. I have room for ventilation, two balconies, a large room and a large "common space." I am alone in a room for two at the moment but I stated that I would prefer to stay alone. As a person living alone, it is not possible to do my reading and writing when I am with others. I am a little ashamed of occupying such a large space by myself but I am not complaining.

I was not subjected to any mistreatment or violation of rights, on the contrary they gave me a teapot to use until my canteen shopping and today they brought a desk and a chair. My books and letters have also arrived today and my requests for books from the library were met despite some missing. So I was not without books except for my detention evening and my first night in the prison.

I did not meet any prisoners yet. I only greeted those who are greeting me sincerely although I do not know them on my way to see my lawyers. I do not know if it is possible. Because they are trying to prevent us from greeting each other as such, although timidly.

"I never gave up the struggle"

Do you have any message that you would like to convey via bianet to the public and to those who support you?

The truth makes us human. With the effort to reach the truth, and with this effort being our responsibility... This is of course related to struggle. It is necessary to continue the struggle without desperation.

As Becket is saying, we can be defeated, we will be defeated again but better but these defeats are temporary, the real defeat is to give up the struggle.
I never gave up the struggle and I know that my friends I made on this road will not either. Those who do not give up the struggle, those who defend life will win in the end. (Lİ/AS/PE)