Turkey launches probe into the head of top medical body over chemical warfare remarks

Turkey has launched an investigation into Sebnem Korur Fincanci, the head of Turkish Medical Association (TTB) over her remarks regarding the allegations that Turkish military used chemical weapons against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants in Northern Iraq.

"Obviously, one of the toxic chemical gases was used that directly affects the nervous system," Fincanci told Media Haber, sharing her examinations on the basis of the coverages allegedly showing the chemical warfare posted in social media.

Following the interview, Fincanci has been targeted by pro-government media, leading to a legal investigation by capital Ankara’s chief prosecutor’s office.

Following the video coverages posted on social media, showing PKK militants who were allegedly suffered from chemical weapon attacks, Turkey’s pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) called on international institutions to investigate the allegations concerning the use of chemical weapons by the Turkish military in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

"There are serious reports and allegations that Turkey has been using chemical agents in its military operations since 2021 in the territories of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, which according to international law constitutes a war crime, and some images recently published by some media outlets further support such allegations," the Executive Council of HDP said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Turkey dismissed the allegations as slander.

“These allegations, which are periodically brought to the agenda by some circles who want to tarnish the fight against terrorism and cast a shadow over the success of the Turkish Armed Forces, are completely baseless and unrealistic," Turkish Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

“There are a large variety of chemical weapons. And although it is forbidden to use them, it’s a shame that these weapons are being used in conflicts," Fincanci said.

Urging independent missions to investigate the incident within the scope of international treaties, “It is important to carry out an effective investigation in order to hold the countries that use such weapons accountable,” she said.