Turkey sit-ins flare against release of policeman who allegedly killed protester

Hundreds of protesters marched to Istanbul's central Taksim Square on Tuesday to denounce a court decision that freed - pending trial - a police officer accused of killing a demonstrator during anti-government protests that swept Turkey.

At least three demonstrators and a police officer were killed in the protests that were sparked on May 31 by government plans to redevelop Taksim and turned into widespread demonstrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

One of the demonstrators was killed by a bullet fired by police during a demonstration in Ankara on June 1.

A court on Monday released the officer from custody pending trial, on grounds that the shooting may have been accidental.

One man told the Associated Press that fellow protesters in Taksim on Tuesday were "taking a stand" against the officer's release.

"It really is very sad, as a citizen of this country, to know that if someone kills us now, he won't be prosecuted," the protester added. "We condemn this situation."

Tuesday's protest was largely peaceful.

Police surrounded the square, blocking the protesters' access.


REUTERS/LBCI