47 people have appeared in court in Turkey in connection with an alleged scam in which newborn babies are transferred between hospitals for profit.
Prosecutors say doctors, nurses and ambulance drivers are responsible for the deaths of ten children.
The defendants are accused of making false diagnoses to transfer the babies to 19 private hospitals, where they are alleged to have been kept in neonatal intensive care units for long periods of time, sometimes with unnecessary treatment.
According to the 1,400-page lawsuit, those involved share the welfare payments received each day a child lives in the unit. The defendants deny the charges.
They say they take decisions with integrity and give the best care to the children.
One of the suspects, Dr. Firat Sari, told prosecutors that everything was done “according to procedures,” the new Associated Press reported.
During the opening of the trial, a large number of people took part in a demonstration outside the court near Istanbul, chanting “child killers will answer” and “private hospitals should be closed”, added AP.
Police began an investigation following an anonymous tip in March 2023.
Ten hospitals have had their licenses revoked as a result of the investigation.
If convicted, the defendants face lengthy sentences for “negligent murder”, fraud and forgery.
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