10.10.2025 11:53
A scandal involving a hidden camera that was found to be outside the university's security system erupted in front of the office of Prof. Dr. M.T., who was suspended from the Faculty of Medicine at Akdeniz University in March. It was determined that this camera was used to monitor and listen to patients, research assistants, and other visitors waiting in front of the offices. The investigation called for the professor's removal from public office.
Professor Dr. M.T., a faculty member of the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases at Akdeniz University (AÜ) Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. M.A., a lecturer in the same department, were found to have a camera in the corridor area of their offices that was not included in the security camera system of the AÜ Hospital Administration.
Prof. Dr. M.T. RECORDED PATIENTS IN FRONT OF THE DOOR It was determined that this camera monitored patients, research assistants, and other visitors waiting in front of their offices. Additionally, it was found that the room next to the one used by Prof. Dr. Ü.O. in the back corridor of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic in Block H of the hospital was also used as a 'Question Bank Server/3D Facial Analysis Room.'
INVESTIGATION INITIATED An investigation was initiated against Prof. Dr. M.T. for allegedly installing a camera that was not included in the university hospital's security camera system and unlawfully recording audio and video with that camera, as well as using room H2-103 as a Question Bank Server/3D Facial Analysis Room without the knowledge of the hospital administration, in accordance with Article 53 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547.
4 PEOPLE SUSPENDED As a result of the investigation, Prof. Dr. M.T. and two professors related to various allegations, along with lecturer Dr. M.A., were suspended from their duties. Dr. M.A. resigned from his position on April 28, 2025. Prof. Dr. Ü.O. retired on July 14, 2025, following the decision regarding him.
SHAMEFUL AND EMBARRASSING ACTIONS As a result of the investigation, the camera was characterized as an act that constituted the crime of abusing power, violating trust, and infringing on individuals' privacy, which is incompatible with the public service or the status of a faculty member, and was described as shameful and embarrassing actions.
REQUEST FOR "DISMISSAL FROM PUBLIC OFFICE" It was also stated that the act was aimed at deliberately obstructing or disrupting the operation of the institution's information systems, and a disciplinary penalty of 'dismissal from public office' was requested in accordance with subparagraph b of Article 53 and provisions 6-c and 6-f of the Higher Education Law No. 2547. The proposal for the dismissal of Prof. Dr. M.T. from public office was sent to the YÖK Presidency.
DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS Prof. Dr. M.T. denied the allegations of unlawfully recording audio and video in his defense to the university.