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Şebnem Korur Fincancı: 'It is interesting that the Ministry of National Defense is showing sensitivity'
In the fifth hearing of the moral damages lawsuit filed by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) against Şebnem Korur Fincancı, the prominent human rights defender and forensic expert expressed her surprise at the sensitivity displayed by the ministry. The lawsuit seeks 100,000 TL in compensation, claiming that Fincancı’s comments on the alleged use of chemical weapons in a televised interview damaged the MSB’s reputation.
At the Ankara Dışkapı Courthouse, Fincancı stated, "I did not make any comments about the MSB or the Turkish army in the broadcast. We provide expert opinions in such cases. It is interesting that the Republic of Turkey and the MSB feel belittled. For 40 years, I have adhered to the principles of a human rights defender. In my statement, I simply emphasized the need for investigation."
Fincancı’s lawyer, Meriç Eyüboğlu, argued that the plaintiff’s claims lacked concrete material evidence and requested the dismissal of the case due to procedural errors. Another defense lawyer, Hülya Yıldırım, pointed out that the MSB, as a legal entity, cannot claim moral damages under the Turkish Code of Obligations.
Despite these arguments, the court rejected the objections and postponed the case to October 17, 2024, to hear final defenses.
After the hearing, Fincancı and her lawyers, joined by representatives from civil society organizations and international observers, made a statement outside the courthouse, highlighting the case as part of broader human rights violations. Fincancı commented, "This case is not unique to me. People who have been tortured are afraid to speak out about their experiences. Colleagues are hesitant to work in this field, especially when it involves state responsibility. I have been labeled an enemy of the state since the 1990s, but this is simply a pursuit of truth."
