New message from Yavuz Engin, prosecutor in the 'Newborn Gang' baby-killer case: 'The duty entrusted to us by the Turkish State...'

The 'Newborn Gang,' which caused the deaths of numerous babies and generated illicit profits by transferring newborns to private hospitals in Istanbul and Tekirdağ, has become the primary focus of Turkey's agenda.

The investigation into the baby-killing gang was initiated on May 21, 2023, under the coordination of the Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, following a report from the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate.

As of June 20, 2023, suspects were taken into custody in two separate operations. On August 30, 2024, it was reported in the press that the lawyer for the detained suspects had threatened the prosecutor leading the investigation.

The indictment against 47 suspects, 22 of whom are in custody, was prepared on October 16.

Public Prosecutor Yavuz Engin, who is leading the investigation into the 'Newborn Gang' of baby killers, had Mustafa Kemal Zengin and lawyer Aylin Arslanatar—who had come to his office and threatened him and his family—handcuffed behind their backs at the courthouse door following their arrest, and watched the proceedings.

As the footage became a trending topic on social media, Prosecutor Engin made a statement via his social media account.

In his post, Engin stated the following:

"I would like to thank everyone who has offered their congratulations and support during this process. In response to all the messages I have not yet been able to answer due to my heavy workload: We have fulfilled the duty entrusted to us by the Turkish State, and we will continue on the same path with determination."

WHO IS PROSECUTOR YAVUZ ENGİN?

Prosecutor Yavuz Engin was born in Germany in 1989. He completed his primary and secondary education at Bolu 50. Yıl Middle School and his high school education at Bolu İzzet Baysal Anatolian High School in 2008. He began his university education at Istanbul University Faculty of Law in 2009 and graduated in 2013.

Following his graduation, he completed his legal internship at the Istanbul Bar Association and began his professional career as a prosecutor candidate in 2014. After his internship, he was appointed to the Saruhanlı Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. In April 2024, Prosecutor Engin was promoted to the position of Büyükçekmece Public Prosecutor by the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK).