TURKEY: The head of Turkey's main medical association was indicted on Friday on "terrorism" charges in connection with calls for an investigation into the military's alleged use of chemical weapons against Kurdish fighters in Iraq.
One of the best-known public figures, Sebnem Korur Fincanci, was arrested on 26 October for drawing attention to reports that first surfaced in media outlets close to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party. The militia claimed that 17 of its members were killed by Turkish chemical weapons attacks in northern Iraqi mountains and caves.
The allegations were labeled "slanderous" by Turkey's Defense Ministry, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Fincanci of "speaking the language of terrorism".
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Fincanci has been accused of spreading "terrorist propaganda", for which previous offenders have faced up to 13 years in prison. The next hearing was set for Thursday after the court decided Fincanci should be jailed while awaiting trial.
As he was being led from the Istanbul courtroom, his supporters chanted, "Professor Sebnem is not alone."
The 63-year-old expert in forensic medicine entered the packed hearing as his supporters cheered and scores of riot police stood up.
Fincanci urged "an effective investigation" into the alleged use of weapons, which should include an on-site investigation and autopsy of Kurdish fighters.
He told the judge, "It is my duty to protect the freedom of expression and the public's right to information as a human rights defender."
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As both a forensic expert and a human rights advocate who openly criticizes Erdogan's administration, Fincani is well-known in Turkey. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, along with five other organizations, called for Fincanci's release pending trial.
Fincanci was referred to as "one of Turkey's bravest voices" by the German Human Rights Commissioner Louis Amsberg and called for her immediate release.
According to the New York-based Physicians for Human Rights Advocacy Organization, Fincanci has dedicated his life to upholding human rights and dignity through his groundbreaking work documenting torture. "The whole world is watching."
However, according to Friday's argument from the chief prosecutor, Fincanci "actively participated in the PKK's propaganda activities".
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Fincanci claimed that her continued detention only served to raise public awareness of her calls for an impartial investigation of the Kurdish reports.
Minutes before being taken into custody, she said, "Don't think that being arrested and in jail is hard for me. It is actually a wonderful opportunity for a person like me who works for human rights.