Bar association report says 14-year-old directly targeted and killed by police in southeastern Turkey

İdris Emen ISTANBUL

DHA Photo

A 14-year-old who was allegedly shot dead by police in the southeastern district of Cizre on Jan. 6 was directly targeted, according to a report prepared by the Şırnak Bar Association’s Human Rights Center.

Residents in the neighborhood of Cudi dug trenches to prevent police from entering following clashes between Kurdish Islamists and supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Following negotiations between law enforcement officers and Cizre’s co-mayors, the trenches were filled and police entered the neighborhood.

Ümit Kurt was gunned down on Ziraat Street while he was heading home after armored police vehicles opened fire.

Kurt was targeted by police, the report said, adding that he was standing between an electric pole and the wall of a building, when he was shot directly in the heart. It also underlined that he was not shot in clashes with the police, but while walking on the street.

Kurt was not able to be immediately taken to the hospital because police continued to fire, injuring another person, the locals who were interviewed were quoted as saying in the report. One more person who parked their car was also targeted by police, but managed to escape the bullets by hiding behind the vehicle. The bullet holes in the car, as well as in some buildings, were identified and photographed, the report said.

Electricity was deliberately cut in the neighborhood at around 6 p.m. before police entered the neighborhood, the locals also claimed, saying there were no problems at the power distribution unit.

There were no clashes or security threats when police opened fire, the locals speaking on the condition of anonymity said, adding that it occurred at around dinner time and there were only a few people heading home on the street.

The association report also underlined there were no license plates on the police vehicles when the incident took place and the authorities have not added them yet despite reactions.

The association said the suspension of the Cizre Police Department head, who was deemed responsible by the locals, from his post could calm the southeastern town.