Erdogan demands new laws to reel in Turkish medical group
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged parliament to curb the influence of the Turkish Medical Association, which has been critical of the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ISTANBUL — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend life in Turkey and around the globe, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned a medical group that has been critical of the state’s response amid the health crisis.
Speaking to Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmakers in Ankara Wednesday, Erdogan urged Turkey’s parliament to introduce legislation that would diminish the influence of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and other professional associations, which he said were acting against the nation’s constitution in ways that had “reached an unbearable level.”
The president referred to newly elected TTB chair Sebnem Korur Fincanci without using her name, saying she had links with “terrorism” groups.
"You take someone from a terrorist organization and put them at the head of the TTB,” Erdogan said Wednesday. “Since when can those involved in terrorism lead an important organization like the TTB? This is not called a democratic approach.”
