KARACHI, May 20: The president of the Transplantation Society of Pakistan and head of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Dr Adibul Hasan Rizvi, has appealed to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, to allow the release of Prof Mehmet Haberal, who is in prison since 2009.

In a statement on Sunday, Dr Rizvi said Prof Haberal’s trial was completed in 2010 and his “continuing incarceration without charges has become a violation of human rights”.

“Turkey our brother country has strong traditions of democracy, justice and fair play,” said the statement.

Prof Haberal should be released in the name of thousands of patients of transplantation in Turkey who were operated upon by him.

“Prof Haberal is the founding president of MESOT and his tremendous contributions have led to the promotion of ethical transplantation in the region.

“Being involved right from its inception, Prof Haberal has provided continuous support and guidance to MESOT.

“The SIUT is proud to have Prof Haberal as a friend and supporter. He has visited Karachi several times, the last time in 2008 as chief guest to inaugurate the international conference organised by the SIUT.

“Prof Haberal has been instrumental in training our doctors in the field of kidney and liver transplantation.”