Fincanci out of prison

A Turkish court on Wednesday released Sebnem Korur Financi, the head of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) who was jailed since October over her remarks on Turkish military’s chemical warfare allegations.

The court, which sentenced the top doctor to 2 years, 8 months and 15 days in prison on charges of "making propaganda for an armed terrorist organization", decided to release her, taking into account the time she was in detention.

Fincanci, also a prominent human rights defender, was arrested in October on terrorism charges after commenting on allegations over Turkey’s using chemical weapons against Kurdish militants in Northern Iraq.

In an interview with Media Haber during a live broadcast on Oct.20, Fincanci shared her examinations on the basis of the coverages posted in social media, showing PKK militants who were allegedly suffered from chemical weapon attacks, saying that "Obviously, one of the toxic chemical gases was used that directly affects the nervous system." Fincanci also urged independent missions to investigate the incident within the scope of international treaties.

Following the interview, prosecutors in capital Ankara launched the probe into Fincanci on the grounds of “disseminating propaganda in favour of a terrorist organisation” and "insulting the Turkish nation, the state of the Republic of Turkey and its institutions.” In December, the prosecutors started a new investigation into Fincanci on the grounds of “being a member of a terrorist organization”.