Embryo Case: One Remanded, Two Released On Bail

Yısrael Meir Gotthold, who was arrested on charges of attempting to take four embryos out of the country without permission from the relevant authorities, was ordered to be held in custody. Meanwhile, Fatma Yaman Göçer and Negin Bayat Tork were released on bail set at 100,000 Turkish Lira each.

All three suspects were brought before court again on charges of “contravention of the Human Cells, Tissues and Organ Transplantation Law.”

Police officer Afet Olgan told the court that the incident took place on 19 May 2026 at around 09:30 at checkpoint 8 at Ercan Airport, where the suspect was stopped while attempting to exit the country with four embryos contained in separate tubes inside a tank labelled “Life Parcel” with a reference number.

Police said the embryos had been obtained from a IVF centre operating in Nicosia, and that investigations revealed no official approval had been granted for their removal from Northern Cyprus, although an application had been submitted.

It was further stated that the embryos were seized as evidence, and that the suspect provided a voluntary statement during the investigation.

Police also confirmed that the Ministry of Health had verified that an application had been made but had not yet been approved.

Further investigations determined that Fatma Yaman Göçer had given instructions and Negin Bayat Tork had provided authorisation, and both were arrested on 20 May.

Police said that the investigation phase that could be influenced by the suspects had been completed. They requested that Gotthold, who has no permanent ties in Northern Cyprus, be remanded in custody, while the other two suspects be released on suitable bail conditions.

Presiding Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç ruled that Gotthold be remanded in prison for a period not exceeding one month, citing his lack of legal ties to the country and the likelihood of a serious trial ahead.

The court also ordered that Fatma Yaman Göçer deposit 100,000 TL in cash and provide two sureties of 500,000 TL each, while Negin Bayat Tork must also deposit 100,000 TL in cash and provide two sureties of 700,000 TL each. Both were additionally banned from leaving the country.