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Thousands Attend Funeral Of Turkish Human Rights Activist


Kurdish lawyer Tahir Elci was reportedly shot fatally in the head while speaking to reporters. (file photo)
Kurdish lawyer Tahir Elci was reportedly shot fatally in the head while speaking to reporters. (file photo)

The funeral has taken place in Turkey of a prominent lawyer and human rights defender who was killed in a shooting along with two policemen.

Tahir Elci, 49, was shot in Diyarbakir city on November 28 while making a press statement.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said authorities are investigating whether the attack directly targeted Elci or whether he died in the crossfire during shooting between the assailants and police.

Addressing thousands of mourners on November 29, pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas said Elci was the victim of a "political murder." He said the lawyer dedicated his life to peace, freedoms, and brotherhood.

Elci, who was Kurdish, advocated peace between Kurdish rebels and Turkey's security forces. He was facing a criminal charge for defending the rebels, whom Turkey considers terrorists, during a news program.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

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