Turkish Medical Association files criminal complaint over official response to earthquake, alleging negligence

ANKARA — In the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey on 6 February last year, the Turkish Medical Association has lodged a criminal complaint against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, government ministers, governors, and other officials for their purported failure to fulfill their duties in the aftermath of the disaster.

A glaring lack of effective coordination and intervention by public authorities has been evident in the recovery and reconstruction of affected areas. The delayed response in clearing debris and providing essential aid exacerbated the gravity of the situation, amplifying the dire consequences faced by affected communities.

Citing a fundamental breach of citizens’ rights in Turkey, including the right to life, physical and mental well-being, adequate housing, environmental health, and education, the Turkish Medical Association underscored the severity of the situation.

In light of these persistent human rights violations, the Association urged a thorough investigation into the conduct of officials tasked with responding to last year’s earthquakes, as well as those serving in ministerial, gubernatorial, and other public capacities since the corresponding elections. Furthermore, the association called for the initiation of public prosecutions against these individuals, underscoring the imperative of accountability and justice in the face of such grievous failures in governance and disaster response.