MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Turkish riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse activists at a memorial for the death of 15-year-old Berkin Elvan, who died after being hit by a tear gas cartridge during the 2013 anti-government protests in Turkey, local media reported Wednesday.
According to T24 news website, 11 people were arrested after tensions erupted into violence.
RT @SpiritOfGezi: Clashes still in #Okmeydanı after police attack @ rally 4 #BerkinElvan @Okmeydaniii @EkimDevrim2011 pic.twitter.com/1nD9rMIT7u
— NoJusticeNoPeace (@anubidal) March 11, 2015
#Turkey: Resistance continues in #Okmeydani after police attack rally for #BerkinElvan. via @kizilbayraknet pic.twitter.com/tXly8Jm6cH
— ѕyndιcalιѕт (@syndicalisms) March 11, 2015
Turkey saw a series of often-violent protests in 2013, starting with a demonstration against the demolition of Gezi Park in central Istanbul.
The violent dispersal of the initial Gezi Park sit-in by police fueled anti-government sentiment in Turkey and people across the country took to the streets demanding the resignation of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Thousands were injured in the demonstrations.
Video: Police attack on rally for #BerkinElvan in #Izmir https://t.co/lUt8ltTaYq
— Spirit of Gezi (@SpiritOfGezi) March 11, 2015
A 15-year-old boy, Berkin Elvan, died after spending 269 days in a coma, having been hit by a tear gas canister fired by police during the protests. The teenager's death triggered another wave of protests, both in Turkey and abroad.
