A 22 year old man, Ahmet Atakan, died Monday night protesting police violence towards demonstrators in Turkey.
According to CNN, Atakan was participating in a weekly protest against the death of another young demonstrator killed in a violent collision with police this summer. The demonstration was also a response to Turkey’s support for Syria rebels as well as a United States military strike on Syria.
While Turkey officials insist Atakan died falling off a building, eye witnesses claim the young protester was struck in the head by a tear gas pellet shot from a close ranged vehicle.
Atakan’s mother, Emsal Atakan told reporters, “My son protested against war so that there would be peace. In Turkey they kill those who want peace.”
BBC News reports that Turkish police continued to use tear gas on demonstrators just a day after the fatal incident when masses gathered to protest the death of Ahmet Atakan.
Protestors chanted, “We are all Ahmet. You can kill one but not all.”
Many fear that continued police brutality is an indication of an intolerant government that is becoming more and more authoritarian.