Water cannon footage scanned to find killer of 15-year-old Gezi victim

İsmail Saymaz ISTANBUL / Radikal

An expert report has been prepared, based on newly emerged footage recorded by a water cannon truck (TOMA) showing the day when Berkin Elvan was fatally wounded by a tear gas canister in Istanbul’s Okmeydanı neighborhood.

The report, which includes still photographs of the footage, states that the recording shows police officers walking with tear gas guns and firing gas canisters on the streets of Okmeydanı.

In Gezi protest victim Elvan’s earlier autopsy report, prepared by the forensic medicine institute, all case files were required to be sent to the institute’s specialization board to determine the exact cause of death.

The first footage taken by TOMAs emerged on April 17 as part of an investigation into the 15-year-old’s death, despite the authorities’ previous denials that there were any cameras near the scene of the incident.

Elvan’s death on March 11 after 269 days in a coma sparked a fresh wave of protests across the country, drawing more attention to the stalled investigation into the tragic incident, in which Elvan was hit by a tear gas canister after he went out to buy bread. Officials are under fire for failing to conduct an effective investigation and bring charges against potential suspects.

Click to see the photos that the latest report includes: