Turkey Bans Media Coverage of Doctor’s Murder, as Medics Strike

Turkish doctors wearing PPE hold placards reading 'you cannot manage, we are exhausted, we die' during a protest in front of the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, 15 September 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/TOLGA BOZOGLU

"Regarding the armed attack in Konya City Hospital, a broadcast ban has been imposed on media operating in written, visual and social media form and on the internet," RTUK said in a statement.

A court in Konya rook the swift decision, on RTUK's request. Media organisations that do not obey the ban may be fined.

Cardiologist Ekrem Karakaya and his secretary were murdered by Hacı Mahmut Akcay who was reportedly angry with Dr Karakaya's treatment of a family member. Akcay also lost his life following an armed clash between him and security officers.

In response, medical workers across the country ordered a two-day strike. "Dr Ekrem Karakaya was slaughtered on duty. We are angry. We are striking on July 7 and 8 against the violence," the Turkish Medical Association, TTB, said in a statement.

The TTB also called for the resignation of Fahrettin Koca, the Minister for Health, citing the government's failure to stop violence against medical workers.

"In the face of violence, we can no longer tolerate any damage to … physicians/health workers. As we have repeatedly stated, violence is a predictable and preventable social problem, and this problem can be overcome with overarching policies aimed at solving it," TTB added.

While medical workers are holding their nationwide strike, emergency services will continue.

Doctors and other medical unions have been demanding new laws and regulations to protect them from an epidemic of violence and tough working conditions.

A report published by the Union of Health and Social...