Former Turkish rector with cancer applies to top court seeking release

ANKARA

Hilmioğlu, who was sentenced to 23 years in jail for his alleged involvement in the Ergenekon case, was diagnosed with stage-three liver cancer. Hürriyet Photo

Lawyers of Fatih Hilmioğlu, an ailing convict from the Ergenekon coup case, have filed an individual application to the Constitutional Court for his release, citing a breach of the right to life and violation of his right to a fair trial, Anadolu Agency reported.

Hilmioğlu, former rector of İnönü University in the eastern Malatya province, who was sentenced to 23 years in jail for his alleged involvement in the Ergenekon case, was diagnosed with stage-three liver cancer, his family said this week.

His lawyers submitted his objection to the Constitutional Court early on Jan. 16 in Ankara.

The lawyers said in their application that Hilmioğlu’s right to life was being violated by keeping him in prison. They also claimed that his long imprisonment has violated his freedom and security. The lawyers demanded the release of Hilmioğlu whose life is in danger due to his disease, and also demanded 250,000 Turkish Liras in compensation of his violated rights.

President Abdullah Gül intervened into the case of Hilmioğlu earlier this week, formally requesting for a “solution” to allow him treatment.

Gül, who does not have the power of granting amnesty, gave an instruction to the relevant authorities to allow that Hilmioğlu be tried without detention, as the case is still pending an appeal, daily Hürriyet reported.

The Constitutional Court has recently ruled for the release of lawmakers in jail for excessive duration of detention and the violation of the right of an elected person. After announcing his brother’s health condition was critical, Hayati Hilmioğlu urged the prime minister to let his brother be treated outside of prison. “Either the Prime Minister will do something, or my brother is going to die,” Hayati Hilmioğlu told daily Hürriyet. Hilmioğlu has been in detention for the last five years.