Armored Police Vehicle Crushes Protestor in Istanbul

On March 11, Cemil Kurt joined in Istanbul’s Okmeydanı the commemorations dedicated to the first death anniversary of Berkin Elvan (15), a Gezi Resistance demonstrator who died on March 11 last year due to tear gas canister after 269 days of comatose. 

However, he reportedly became victim of police violence as he was crushed to a wall by an armored police vehicle [known as akrep in Turkish and scorpion in English], suffering from spine, leg and arm injuries. 

While the incident took place as mourners initiated a march towards the cemetery following the commemoration, police broke up mourners’ march with tear gas and cannoned water. 

Cemil Kurt’s situation, on the other hand, remains critical. Advocates from People’s Law Office [Halkın Hukuk Bürosu] told bianet that the police vehicle purposefully aimed to crush Kurt towards the wall. 

“Eyewitnesses tried to rescue Kurt,” advocates continued, “however the police attack with rubber bullets and tear gas delayed Kurt’s transfer to the hospital.” 

They also added that while Kurt’s walking ability has not yet been affected by the spine injury, doctors said that kurt might be having moving limitations in the days to come. 

Advocates also pledged that they will submit a complaint against the involved policemen.  (AS/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.