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Turkish Protests Erupt After Teenager in Coma Dies

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People gather for the funeral of Berkin Elvan, the 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during last year's anti-government protests, in Istanbul on March 12, 2014.
People gather for the funeral of Berkin Elvan, the 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during last year's anti-government protests, in Istanbul on March 12, 2014.Bulent Kilic—AFP/Getty Images
By TIME Staff

Last June in Istanbul, Berkin Elvan, then 14, went out to buy bread for his family. He didn’t return. Elvan got caught between skirmishing police and anti-government protesters and was hit by a tear gas canister. He slipped into a coma and became a rallying point for those opposed to reigning Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has ruled the country for over a decade but faces calls for his resignation amid corruption scandals and mounting public frustration with his heavy-handed governance. When Elvan died this Tuesday, protesters once again took to the streets and clashed with security forces.

The coffin of Berkin Elvan is carried on March 11, 2014, in Istanbul. Berkin Elvan, who has been in a coma since June 2013 after being struck in the head by a gas canister during a police crackdown on protesters, died earlier on the day.
The coffin of Berkin Elvan is carried on March 11, 2014, in Istanbul. Berkin Elvan, who has been in a coma since June 2013 after being struck in the head by a gas canister during a police crackdown on protesters, died earlier on the day.Bulent Kilic—AFP/Getty Images
The mother Berkin Elvan cries after her son died at Okmeydani Hospital in Istanbul on March 11, 2014.
The mother Berkin Elvan cries after her son died at Okmeydani Hospital in Istanbul on March 11, 2014. Bulent Kilic—AFP/Getty Images
A man attends a gathering in Okmeydani neighborhood in Istanbul after the death of Berkin Elvan, March 11, 2014.
A man attends a gathering in Okmeydani neighborhood in Istanbul after the death of Berkin Elvan, March 11, 2014.Furkan Temir—Le Journal/SIPA
Protesters attack a riot police vehicle during clashes outside Okmeydani Hospital in Istanbul on March 11, 2014.
Protesters attack a riot police vehicle during clashes outside Okmeydani Hospital in Istanbul on March 11, 2014.Bulent Kilic—AFP/Getty Images
People protest the death of Berkin Elvan, a Turkish teenager who was in a coma since being hit in the head by a tear gas canister fired by police during the summer's anti-government protests, in Istanbul, March 11, 2014.
People protest the death of Berkin Elvan, a Turkish teenager who was in a coma since being hit in the head by a tear gas canister fired by police during the summer's anti-government protests, in Istanbul, March 11, 2014. Emrah Gurel—AP
Turkish riot police use water cannons to disperse protesters in Istanbul, March 11, 2014.
Turkish riot police use water cannons to disperse protesters in Istanbul, March 11, 2014. Boracan/SIPA
Turkish riot police fires tear gas to disperse protesters during a demonstration in Istanbul, March 11, 2014.
Turkish riot police fires tear gas to disperse protesters during a demonstration in Istanbul, March 11, 2014. Erdem Sahin—EPA
Riot police use water cannons to disperse people who protest the death of Berkin Elvan, a Turkish teenager who was in a coma since being hit in the head by a tear gas canister fired by police during the summer's anti-government protests, in Istanbul, March 11, 2014.
Riot police use water cannons to disperse people who protest the death of Berkin Elvan, a Turkish teenager who was in a coma since being hit in the head by a tear gas canister fired by police during the summer's anti-government protests, in Istanbul, March 11, 2014. Emrah Gurel—AP
A protester waves a black flag during clashes with riot police in Kadikoy, on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, on March 11, 2014.
A protester waves a black flag during clashes with riot police in Kadikoy, on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, on March 11, 2014. Bulent Kilic—AFP/Getty Images
Protesters are hit by water cannon during clashes with riot police in Kadikoy, on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, on March 11, 2014.
Protesters are hit by water cannon during clashes with riot police in Kadikoy, on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, on March 11, 2014. Gurcan Ozturk—AFP/Getty Images
People gather for the funeral of Berkin Elvan, the 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during last year's anti-government protests, in Istanbul on March 12, 2014.
People gather for the funeral of Berkin Elvan, the 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during last year's anti-government protests, in Istanbul on March 12, 2014. Bulent Kilic—AFP/Getty Images
Anti-government protesters run as police fires tear gas to push back thousands of demonstrators close to central Taksim square in Istanbul, March 12, 2014.
Anti-government protesters run as police fires tear gas to push back thousands of demonstrators close to central Taksim square in Istanbul, March 12, 2014. Murad Sezer—Reuters
Riot policemen shield themselves as fireworks thrown by anti-government protesters explode near central Taksim square in Istanbul March 12, 2014.
Riot policemen shield themselves as fireworks thrown by anti-government protesters explode near central Taksim square in Istanbul March 12, 2014. Osman Orsal—Reuters

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