We are saddened by the passing of İbrahim Güngör (72) former education official and dismissed civil servant (KHK), has passed away in the intensive care unit of Izmir City Hospital. Mr. Güngör, who suffered from Alzheimer's, prostate disease, and diabetes, was imprisoned on December 14, 2024, after his 8-year and 1-month prison sentence was upheld by the Court of Cassation. He had been convicted on charges of organizing religious gatherings at his home and collecting scholarships for students, following an initial 10-month period in pre-trial detention. Despite his rapidly deteriorating health which included hydrocephalus surgery in 2022 and advanced Alzheimer's that left him unable to recognize his own daughter during visits the Forensic Medicine Institute issued a report stating he could remain in prison. His continued imprisonment, despite his critical condition, was in violation of the Turkish Penal Code, the Execution Law, Article 17 of the Turkish Constitution, and European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings. This situation constituted a severe breach of the right to life and the principles of presumption of innocence. After his health severely declined in prison, he was transferred to the hospital's intensive care unit, where he ultimately died. @hrw @amnesty @ECHR_CEDH @CPJ_Eurasia
