Doctor Nurettin Demirkol, who testified within the scope of the investigation into the death of former Minister of Transport Arif Ahmet Denizolgun, appeared before the judge at the first hearing of the case in which he was tried for the crime of 'false testimony' and demanded imprisonment from 2 to 4 years. While the court sentenced Demirkol to 2 years and 6 months in prison, they decided to postpone his sentence and release him because he was over 65 years old.
Doctor Nurettin Demirkol, who was arrested for 'false testimony' within the scope of the investigation launched after the death of former Minister of Transport Arif Ahmet Denizolgun was deemed suspicious, appeared before the judge for the first time at the Bakırköy 6th Criminal Court of First Instance.
Demirkol and his lawyers were present at the hearing. The defendant's lawyers requested that the hearing be held in secret, including the family. The presiding judge rejected this request. The hearing started with the defense of the defendant Demirkol. After the defenses, the prosecutor asked for the defendant to be punished in his opinion on the merits.
'I AM NOT THE LATE MINISTER'S PRIVATE DOCTOR'
Defendant Nurettin Demirkol said, "I examined the deceased minister 2-3 times. I do not know that he needed a regular doctor, I only know that he had a blood pressure problem. I do not know whether he had a regular doctor. Since there were terms such as health center doctor, government doctor, municipality doctor, family doctor in those periods, I used the term private doctor in order not to be misunderstood.
It was a mistake, he made a slip of the tongue as a private doctor even though he did not need a doctor to follow him constantly. I wanted to say that I am not a public servant. "I don't know exactly what the case is about, I am not the late minister's personal doctor," he said.
'A REPORT HAS BEEN GIVEN THAT HIS DEATH WAS A NATURAL DEATH DUE TO BRAIN HEMORRHAGE.'
Demirkol said, "When I look at the records in the file, I understand that 168 was called first, then 155, 156 and 155 were called again. I say 168 was called first, but I do not remember this. When you look at the 155 emergency call report resolution report, it is clear that I was in these conversations. I called 155, then 156 and 155 were called.
Due to the death incident and the situation that took place that night, my assessment may not be completely accurate, as things can be seen. In fact, when I called, what I said in the conversation was 'an unexpected sudden death'. The police asked me, 'Is there a suspicious death issue?' There is a part where it says.
I'm not a coroner. Within the scope of the incident, in accordance with the report of the Forensic Medicine Institute, a report was prepared stating that the death of the victim was a natural death caused by cerebral hemorrhage. I know that way because the Forensic Medicine told me that way at that time.
It is not possible for me to evaluate the incident as suspicious. "I also wanted to call the government doctor, but since I could not reach him, I wanted the police to direct me," he said.
'I DID NOT SEE PEOPLE LIKE ALIHAN KURİŞ COMING'
Nurettin Demirkol said, "A small amount of bloody liquid leaked from the right corner of his mouth and wet the bed. This was not an ongoing bloody liquid. I say I did not see any clear blood on his face or body.
It is said that I was not at home on September 7, 2016, but it is known that I had home recordings for 48 hours. 10 years have passed, I do not remember the crimes charged in the indictment. It is claimed that I gave a base from Galatasaray Island the day before the date of the incident, but I was eating at a private restaurant in Kuleli area.
I did not see people like Alihan Kuriş coming. After the death, many people came to the house, the street was full, and there were police too. I don't remember 2016. I said this at the beginning of my defense.
I may have interpreted the fluid coming from his stomach on the day of the incident as blood. It is impossible for me to remember what happened 10 years ago. The persons mentioned in the indictment may have arrived at the scene and may appear with base records.
My testimony is in line with the witnesses, of course there are things they have forgotten. The morning of September 8, 2016 was a blur for me. I am always afraid of the police, I have not committed a crime but I am still afraid. Standing in front of the prosecutor and judge increases my fear even more.
I also served my state during the Covid period. We doctors are subject to secret inspections. I successfully passed these inspections. Although other witness statements are contradictory, I do not accept the accusation against me.
I am ashamed to stand before you like this. I was in a difficult personal and family situation due to my arrest. I have no intention of misleading the judicial authorities. "I do not accept the accusations, I demand my acquittal," he said.
2 YEARS 6 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT
The court sentenced the defendant to 2 years and 6 months in prison for 'false testimony'. Since the defendant was over 65 years old, it was decided to postpone his sentence and release him.
