GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The United Nations and World Medical Association said Monday the Turkish government should reconsider a law that would restrict medical care for protesters.
Anand Grover, U.N. special envoy on the right to health, issued a joint appeal with WMA calling on Ankara to reconsider a draft law that could restrict medical care during certain national emergencies.
"Enacting laws and policies criminalizing provision of medical care to people challenging state authorities, such as political protesters, will certainly deter healthcare workers from providing services due to fear of prosecution," Grover said in a statement from Geneva, Switzerland.
WMA Secretary-General Otmar Kloiber said medical professionals could face up to three years in prison for honoring their ethical responsibilities to help those in need.
Small demonstrations against plans to tear down a historic park in Istanbul escalated to nationwide protests that took on a political tone early this year. By July, Amnesty International said more than 8,000 people were reported injured and at least three of the five deaths reported during the protests were tied to police abuse.
The experts said Monday the Turkish government should reconsider the healthcare provision.
"Now we urge the [government] to consider the right of the Turkish people to emergency care and ensure the respect for medical ethics and independence health workers in Turkey," they said.
