The Public Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye, led by Chief Public Ombudsman and President of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), Mr. Mehmet Akarca, signed a cooperation protocol with Hacettepe University to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance expert support in specialized cases.
The protocol was signed by Mr. Mehmet Akarca on behalf of the Ombudsman Institution and by the Rector of Hacettepe University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran.
The agreement establishes a framework for obtaining scientific opinions and expert witness support, particularly in cases requiring expertise in forensic medicine, within the scope of the Public Ombudsman Institution Law. Through this collaboration, the Ombudsman Institution will benefit from the university’s academic expertise to ensure more informed and evidence-based decision-making.
A meeting held following the signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both institutions, including Hacettepe University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Necla Özer, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Hakan Göker, and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine Prof. Dr. Aysun Balseven Odabaşı.
Representing the Ombudsman Institution were Public Auditors Mr. Ertunç Erkan Balta, Ms. Fatma Benli Yalçın, Mr. Abdullah Cengiz Makas, Mr. Şerif Yılmaz, and Mr. Özcan Yıldız, along with the Secretary General, Mr. Mehmet Doğan.
This cooperation marks a significant step in strengthening institutional expertise and improving the quality of services provided by the Ombudsman Institution, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective public service delivery.
The initiative aligns with OICOA’s mission to promote collaboration, enhance institutional capacity, and support the delivery of justice through knowledge-sharing and expertise among member institutions.
