Prosecutor objects to release of police officer suspected over killing of student at Nevruz celebrations

DİYARBAKIR

A prosecutor has objected to the release of a police officer suspected of killing a student during Nevruz celebrations in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır, Doğan News Agency has reported. 

The 23-year-old university student, Kemal Kurkut, was shot by police on March 21 during Nevruz celebrations in the Bağlar district after he reportedly attempted to enter the festival area with a knife and a backpack. Kurkut later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. 

Two police officers were dismissed from their duties over the killing of Kurkut and they were detained by police.

One of the police officers was released after testifying to the prosecutor, while the other was released on probation by the court after he was charged with “homicide with intent.”

The prosecution demanded the renewed detention of the police officer who was released on probation, while also demanding a confidentiality order in the case.

Meanwhile, the Kurkut family lawyers have also appealed to the superior court in order to lift the media ban imposed in the case.

A local Diyarbakır court imposed a media ban on reporting the incident following an application from the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

In addition, the authorities have revealed that Kurkut received psychiatric treatment at a hospital in the eastern province of Malatya between September and November 2016, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported. 

It added that he reportedly did not take his anti-psychotic and anti-depressant drugs after concluding his treatment at hospital.

The Diyarbarkır Governor’s Office previously stated that Kurkut allegedly shouted “I have a bomb in my bag, I will kill you all” before attacking security forces with a knife and running toward the square after refusing to obey warnings.