Şebnem Korur Fincancı

Şebnem Korur Fincancı is a prominent Turkish forensic medicine expert and human rights activist, known for her extensive work in documenting torture and its effects on the human body. She has played a significant role in the development of international guidelines for the investigation of torture, notably the Istanbul Protocol, which is the first set of international guidelines for documentation of torture and its consequences.

Born in Turkey, Fincancı received her medical degree from the University of Istanbul, where she later specialized in forensic medicine. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for human rights, often putting her own safety at risk. Her work has not only contributed to the field of forensic medicine but has also had a significant impact on the global fight against torture.

Fincancı has held various positions in professional organizations, including serving as the president of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT), an organization dedicated to providing treatment and rehabilitation services for torture survivors. She has also been involved in numerous investigations of human rights abuses, both in Turkey and internationally, offering her expertise in forensic examinations to uncover evidence of torture and ill-treatment.

Her commitment to human rights and her contributions to forensic medicine have been recognized internationally. However, her activism has also made her a target of persecution in her home country. Fincancı has faced legal challenges and has been detained on several occasions due to her work and outspoken criticism of the Turkish government's human rights record.

Despite these challenges, Şebnem Korur Fincancı remains a respected figure in the fields of forensic medicine and human rights advocacy. Her work continues to inspire many in Turkey and around the world to stand up against torture and to support the victims of human rights abuses.