Release decision granted for 4 detained defendants in Newborn Gang trial

The trial of the leaders and members of the Newborn Gang, who are accused of generating illicit profits by referring infants to contracted hospitals and causing infant deaths due to negligence in Istanbul, continues.

On the fourth day of the trial held at the Bakırköy 22nd High Criminal Court, defense attorneys presented their arguments. While the lawyer for detained defendant Serdar Yüksel stated, "We do not accept the indictment in any way," the lawyer for detained defendant Rıza Keykubad said, "We reject the allegations that we caused the death of baby Kaya. The investigation was conducted incompletely."

KURTLAR VADİSİ ANALOGY IN DEFENSE

The most striking statement in the hearing came from the lawyer of detained defendant Tuğçe Toptemel. Arguing that Toptemel was not released because her name was mentioned among those who threatened Prosecutor Yavuz Engin, her lawyer made a reference to the TV series Kurtlar Vadisi and stated:

“There is a pulled-pin bomb in the middle, and everyone is telling us to 'swallow the bomb and explode.' We have accepted the possibility of death; we are just thinking about who we will take with us.”

These words echoed in the courtroom as a remarkable outburst.

RELEASE DECISION FROM THE COURT

Following the defense arguments, the court announced its interim decision. The court panel decided to release 4 detained defendants under judicial control. However, it ruled for the continued detention of some defendants who are key figures in the case.

HEARING ADJOURNED TO APRIL 21

The court is expected to deliver its final verdict in the Newborn Gang trial in future hearings. The trial, in which the defendants will continue to present their defenses against the charges, will resume on April 21.

News Source: 12punto