The relatives of defendants and supporters of the terrorist organization the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) engaged in a violent quarrel yesterday during a hearing in the trial of 35 people over the death of a DHKP-C supporter.
Tensions were high in the hearing at a courthouse in Istanbul yesterday as 22 defendants appeared before the court over the 2013 killing of Hasan Ferit Gedik. Gedik was shot dead when suspects opened fire on a group of DHKP-C supporters in city's Maltepe district. As the hearing went into a break, the two groups engaged in a brawl, throwing chairs outside the courtroom at each other. Some hurled bottles while police intervened in the groups and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The terrorist organization, responsible for a string of attacks against security forces and a suicide bombing at the U.S. embassy in Ankara, is known for its "anti-drug" campaign in Istanbul's working-class neighborhoods, where it draws support. The group, which is seeking legitimacy for its activities, has recently adopted a self-styled vigilante campaign that pitted it against the PKK, another terrorist organization engaged in a turf war with the DHKP-C.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.