Hidden camera scandal at university hospital! Request for dismissal of professor

A camera, not included in the AU Hospital Chief Physician's Office security camera system, was discovered in the middle and upper sections of the corridor between the rooms occupied by Prof. Dr. MT, a faculty member in the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases at the AU Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. MA, a faculty member in the same department. This camera was found to be monitoring and eavesdropping on patients, research assistants, and other visitors waiting in front of their rooms. Furthermore, the room adjacent to Prof. Dr. Ü.O.'s room, located in the back corridor of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Polyclinic in Block H, was also found to be used as a Question Bank Server/3D Facial Analysis Room.

Two professors and lecturers were suspended from their duties.

A disciplinary investigation was launched against Prof. Dr. MT pursuant to Article 53 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547 based on allegations of installing a camera that was not included in the university hospital security camera system, illegally recording audio and video with the camera, and using room H2-103 as a Question Bank Server/3D Facial Analysis room without the knowledge of hospital management. At the end of the investigation, Prof. Dr. MT, along with two professors and a lecturer, Dr. MA, related to various allegations, were suspended from their positions. Dr. MA resigned from his position on April 28, 2025. Prof. Dr. Ü.O. retired on July 14, 2025, following the decision against him.

'Disgraceful and shameful actions'

The investigation concluded that the camera was installed through abuse of power, breach of trust, and violation of individuals' privacy, all of which constituted acts of a disgraceful and shameful nature and degree incompatible with public service or the status of a faculty member. Furthermore, it was stated that the camera was intentionally intended to obstruct or disrupt the operation of the institution's information systems. A disciplinary penalty of "dismissal from public service" was requested pursuant to Article 53, paragraph b, provision 6-c, and paragraph 6-f of Law No. 2547 on Higher Education. Prof. Dr. MT's proposal for dismissal from public service was sent to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Prof. Dr. MT, in his defense to the university, denied the allegation of illegally recording video and audio.

Source: DHA