Eylem Sonbahar
Dr. Yusuf Eryazğan, president of the Şanlıurfa Family Physicians Association (ŞUHAED), was acquitted of charges of "openly disseminating misleading information to the public" after highlighting vaccine supply issues during a television interview.
Case background
Eryazğan had participated in a program on NTV on Dec. 9, 2022, where he discussed shortages of Hepatitis B, polio, and tuberculosis vaccines at Family Health Centers (ASM). His remarks led to charges under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes the spread of misleading information that disrupts public peace.
The third hearing of the trial was held at the Istanbul 32nd Criminal Court of First Instance. Eryazğan did not attend, but his lawyer, Ömer Faruk Tutuş, was present.
Prosecutor and court rule remarks not disruptive
The prosecutor presented the final opinion, stating that Eryazğan's comments during the broadcast did not have the potential to disrupt public order. Based on this assessment, the prosecutor requested his acquittal.
After the defense reiterated its demand for an acquittal, the court ruled that the legal elements of the alleged offense were not met and acquitted Eryazğan.
This ruling marks the conclusion of a case that drew attention to the intersection of free speech and public health issues in Turkey.
