Prof. Dr. Pala protested the martyrdom of two soldiers: Were these soldiers left without water in the desert?

The martyrdom of two of our soldiers who were undergoing basic training at the Naval Training Regiment Command in Iskenderun, Hatay, due to "multiple organ failure due to excessive dehydration" has struck a chord with Türkiye.

They were taken to hospital with high fever in Hatay: 2 soldiers were martyred

This statement made by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) sparked widespread public outrage and questions like, "How could this happen within the borders of the Union?" One of the harshest reactions came from Public Health Specialist and CHP Bursa Deputy Prof. Dr. Kayıhan Pala.

"Our sadness mixes with our anger"

The Ministry of National Defense announced that seven soldiers, Guard Private Hayrullah Halit Karaman and Supply Private Semih Erdoğan, were taken to a hospital in İskenderun with high fevers and were killed after failing to survive. The initial autopsy report identified the cause of death as "multiple organ failure due to excessive dehydration and elevated blood sodium levels," raising allegations of negligence.

CHP member Kayıhan Pala, a public health professor, reacted to what could be described as a scandal with a social media post. Pala reacted to the official statement with the following words:

"Death due to severe dehydration! 'Were these citizens left without water in the desert? Death during basic military training is unacceptable! Seven people at once... Our sadness mixes with our anger."

Pala offered his condolences to the families of the martyrs and signaled that they would not let the incident go by saying, "We will follow up on the matter."

"Death due to severe dehydration!" Were these citizens left without water in the desert? Death during basic military training is unacceptable! Seven people at once... Our grief is mixed with our anger. I offer my condolences and offer my deepest sympathies to their families. We will be following up on this matter. https://t.co/3MQAkO57Q0

— KAYIHAN PALA (@KAYIHANPALA) July 26, 2025