Smuggler shot in head by police at check point in eastern Turkey: report

ISTANBUL

DHA Photo

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A cigarette smuggler has been seriously wounded after being shot in the head by a special operations police officer in the eastern province of Ağrı yesterday, daily Taraf has reported.

The incident happened when smugglers stopped their car at a police checkpoint in the province's Doğubayazıt district.

A police officer allegedly shot Mehmet Duman when he was still in the car after other men left the car, putting their hands up and telling police that they were smugglers.

Police officers also pulled Duman out of the car and stepped on the man's head with their boots after shooting him, one of the smugglers reportedly said.

The 21-year-old man was taken to Doğubayazıt Hospital after paramedics arrived at the scene.

Duman reportedly lost his left eye and is suffering brain injures. A part of the bullet could not be taken out of his head, reports said.

Duman's father said he would file a complaint and apply to the Human Rights Association.