The Republic of Türkiye's Directorate for Combating Disinformation has issued a statement addressing misleading reports circulating in the media and on social platforms regarding the autopsy of a British citizen who recently died in Istanbul.
According to the official statement, allegations suggesting that the individual's heart was lost or stolen are completely baseless. The heart is currently undergoing standard histopathological examination as part of ongoing forensic procedures and will be returned to the family once the analysis is completed.
Medical background and procedural clarity
The deceased reportedly experienced serious health complications during a flight from the United Kingdom to Istanbul. Upon arrival, they were admitted to Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, where they later passed away due to multiple organ failure.
Authorities confirmed that no surgical procedures were conducted during the treatment process. Given statements from the spouse indicating possible food poisoning prior to departure from the UK, the case was registered as a forensic matter.
An initial autopsy was conducted, but the cause of death remained undetermined. As a result, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered a detailed autopsy by the Council of Forensic Medicine. Due to the deceased's age and inconclusive findings, the entire heart was preserved for further pathological evaluation.
The body was released, investigation continues
All necessary samples for autopsy were collected, and the body was subsequently released to the family. The heart remains in custody of forensic authorities exclusively for medical examination purposes. It will also be returned once analysis is complete.
The statement emphasizes that the disinformation campaign targeting Türkiye’s medical and legal institutions is misleading and should not be taken seriously by the international public.
“Manipulative reports related to the autopsy procedures are entirely unfounded and serve only to spread disinformation,” the official release concluded.
