Groups mark anniversary of death for Hopa teacher

ARTVİN - Anatolia News Agency

Groups marched in the Black Sea district to honor teacher Metin Lokumcu. DHA photo

Crowds gathered in the Black Sea district of Hopa on May 31 to mark the second anniversary of the death of Metin Lokumcu, a teacher who died from a heart attack after collapsing during a police crackdown in the city amid an election rally for the prime minister.

Lokumcu’s brother was among the group that marched to honor the dead teacher, as Freedom and Solidarity Party (ÖDP) head Alper Taş called for those responsible to be brought to trial.

Lokumcu was last caught on camera trying to calm a dispute between police forces and protesters on May 31, 2011, amid clashes. The coroner’s office has released the autopsy report, saying he died due to an exposure to tear gas and panic related to heart failure.