Turkish police break up protest commemorating slain activist Ethem Sarisuluk

Turkish police on Monday dispersed a demonstration by a group wanting to commemorate an activist who was killed during nationwide anti-government protests seven years ago, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. At least 21 people were detained.

The group gathered near a park in central Ankara where 26-year-old Ethem Sarisuluk was injured in the head by a gunshot on June 1, 2013. He died in hospital 14 days later. A police officer was later convicted over his death.

Millions of people across Turkey took to the streets to denounce President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian leadership in May and June 2013. The protests were sparked by opposition to government plans to redevelop Gezi Park, adjacent to Istanbul’s main Taksim square.

Mothers of Berkin Elvan and Ethem Sarisuluk attend a demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of the Gezi Park protests in central Istanbul. (Reuters)

 

Sarisuluk was among a dozen protesters who were killed. Thousands of others were injured.

Erdogan has described the protests as a “coup” attempt against his government.

Anadolu Agency said authorities declared the demonstration to be illegal. Officers broke up the demonstration after the group failed to heed calls to disperse, the agency reported.

AP