A Turkish court has cleared the way for an investigation into the death of 28-year-old conscript and licensed volleyball player Doğuş Caner Tüfekçi, who died after contracting pneumonia during his compulsory military service in Burdur.

Tüfekçi died on February 28, 2024, while serving in his basic-training unit. His family alleges that negligence during his treatment and medical-leave process contributed to his death. The Turkish Land Forces Command had previously refused to authorise an investigation into the public officials allegedly responsible.

The First Administrative Litigation Chamber of the Antalya Regional Administrative Court has now overturned that decision. The court ruled that there were sufficient indications to justify a criminal investigation and that the Burdur Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office should determine whether any public officials were at fault or acted negligently.

The ruling removes the legal barrier that had prevented prosecutors from investigating the circumstances surrounding Tüfekçi’s death.

“This decision is only a beginning for me. It will not bring my son back, but it has strengthened my belief that the truth will emerge and justice will be served,” his mother, Sermin Tüfekçi, told NEFES.

She added that she wanted everyone responsible for any negligence to be held accountable and that she would not abandon her fight for justice.

Read the full article in NEFES.