Ruşen Gültekin addresses the scandal in Konya: 'If this had been done to a headscarved patient, they would have been arrested'

The refusal of Dr. Hasan Hüseyin Uysal, who works at Konya Meram State Hospital, to examine a young woman because he found her clothing "revealing" has been met with public backlash. While footage of the incident became a trending topic on social media, the doctor's past controversial statements regarding child marriage and women's attire have also been brought back into focus.

Legal expert Ruşen Gültekin evaluated the events in terms of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). Stating that a doctor refusing to examine a patient in a public hospital due to their clothing could constitute a crime of hate and discrimination under TCK Article 122, misconduct in public office under TCK Article 257, and also inciting the public to hatred and hostility under TCK Article 216, Gültekin noted that the investigation was initiated only "reluctantly."

Gültekin specifically drew attention to double standards, saying, "We all know that if a doctor had behaved this way toward a headscarved patient, they would be under arrest right now. Isn't that the whole problem, this double standard?"

Recalling that some individuals have been rewarded in similar cases in the past, Gültekin added, "What gives this doctor courage is the mindset that 'the judiciary is on our side.' From here on out, it is necessary to closely monitor this doctor's duty and promotion process."

A doctor in a public hospital refusing to provide public service by citing a patient's clothing constitutes a crime of hate and discrimination under TCK 122, misconduct in public office under TCK 257, and, if we speak according to practice, inciting the public to hatred and hostility under TCK 216... https://t.co/TT88Qariwn

— Av. Dr. Mehmet Ruşen Gültekin (@mruseng) August 27, 2025

News Source: 12punto