Turkey: Outrage over elderly abuse in nursing home – Investigation

Outrage has erupted in Turkey after videos surfaced showing the abuse of an elderly man in a private nursing home in Istanbul, Özel Büyük Marmara Huzurevi. The incident occurred in July 2023 but only recently came to light.

The videos circulating on social media appear to show the owner's husband, Erol Konuk, hitting the elderly Abdulkadir Taşar, who died in September 2024. No autopsy was performed, raising questions.

Turkish media report that Erol Konuk allegedly threatened staff who left the nursing home. There are also reports that security camera footage was deleted, raising suspicions of a cover-up of similar incidents.

The Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services imposed an administrative fine on the nursing home and referred the case to the judiciary. The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of suspending the nursing home's operation is being considered.