No Trial in Dilan Dursun Case Albeit Injury Anniversary

Yesterday marked the first year when Dilan Dursun, a university student, was severely wounded from her head due to a gas canister hitting her head during the funeral of Ethem Sarısülük - a Gezi Resistance protestor who was murdered with a bullet by the police in Ankara.

Following the incident, she was taken to hospital and underwent a brain surgery. Dursun was discharged after 11 days, then had an operation in January because of the fracture, as a result of falling down. Then, in summer, she is going to undergo a brain surgery for an artificial bone implant. 

Still, no indictment has been announced in the one-year investigation process. 

After a year from her injury, bianet interviewed Dilan Dursun via phone. While her health problems are going on, she is attending to school and talking about how she just got out an exam. 

“My health condition is much better,” she said.  “However, I still have amnesia issues. It constitutes problem mentally. I became numb at one stage and had problems of anxiety. I am trying to get over this with psychologists and psychiatrists. I still don’t think I really faced with the problem.”

Her voice is strong, she is still struggling but there has been one day since İbrahim Aras was murdered in Adana, a year since Berkin Elvan was shot. By commemorating them, she said: “I feel awful. Because even if I get over this, I become a witness to the accusation and assassination of innocent people by the government.”

bianet interviewed Dilan’s lawyer Tonguç Cankurt on how far the investigation progressed.  

Cankurt said they were able to detect a MOBESE [acronym for police surveillance cameras] footage showing funeral attendees - a recording that was not included in the investigation file.

On February 21, footage from 5 other MOBESE cameras were included in the file on the demand of the lawyer. The file, on the other hand, was sent to Gendarmerie Criminal authorities as soon as the videos were handed in. A report is being awaited. (BK/MEV/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.