Young man shot dead by police in Taksim

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Around 03.00 a.m. on Saturday night at Mis Sokak, a popular street in İstanbul's nightlife, the police arrived after a gunfight broke out in Taksim, with E.T. being shot in the leg and injured.

The police pursued five people who "fled" from the scene. Allegedly, the suspects did not comply with the 'stop' warning, Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reported.

A clash broke out in the Tarlabaşı area, a few streets down from Taksim. Police officer M.B.E was shot in the leg during the conflict. Yılmaz was shot in the chest and died at the scene.

According to the Progressive Lawyers' Association (ÇHD), the police shot some 403 people dead for disobeying "stop" warnings between 2007 and 2020.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) indicated that in 2020 alone, 15 people, including three children, were killed and security forces wounded 13.

Rights advocates point out that impunity encourages police officers to open fire on people. Law No. 5681, enacted in 2007, gave the police additional powers, such as stopping vehicles, doing ''prevention'' searches, identity checks, and using weapons.

Police officers are allowed to use force if people resist, and the use of weapons is allowed in case physical strength is insufficient. When people try to escape, the police need to give a "stop" warning before using their firearm. (RT/WM/VK)