Internal Medicine and Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay has made statements following the Constitutional Court’s ruling that her freedom of expression was violated in the case of her professional suspension, which was imposed due to her remarks about vaccines.
Karatay stated that she faced a process involving the Istanbul Medical Chamber and an administrative court following a speech she gave in 2018, and argued that the penalty imposed was unlawful. She said that following the Constitutional Court’s decision, the file has been sent to the 14th Administrative Court for re-evaluation.
CLAIMS SALES HAVE DROPPED
Suggesting that there are circles uncomfortable with her statements, Karatay claimed that she was told her speeches affected the sales of certain products. Karatay said, "Everyone's opinion is different and should be different. Science develops by clashing with different ideas."
Arguing that there is an attempt to silence her, Karatay stated, "They do not put forward any arguments against what I say; they just want me to be quiet, they want me not to speak. Why? Because medicine has now become a trade." Claiming that the reaction against her is linked to economic motives, Karatay said she was told, "Don't let her speak; when she speaks, our sales drop by 30 percent."
Stating that she expresses her professional views with the identity of a "60-year physician and academic," Karatay expressed that she stands by the statements she previously made regarding certain vaccines. Karatay argued that she is against the imposition of a single-type approach in medicine.
"I HAVE 135 LAWSUITS"
In her statement, Karatay also mentioned that there are numerous lawsuits against her. "All the cases are still ongoing; I have 135 lawsuits," said Karatay, asserting that while she is open to criticism, there is an attempt to suppress her ideas without debate.
Evaluating the Constitutional Court’s decision in terms of freedom of expression, Karatay said that the high court identified a rights violation within the scope of Article 26 of the Constitution. Stating that scientific progress is possible through the discussion of different views, Karatay said, "Science and knowledge do not develop by being silent or being silenced."
News Source: 12punto
