Istanbul prosecutor taken hostage by armed group: reports

A Turkish prosecutor probing the politically sensitive death of an anti-government protester was taken hostage on Tuesday by an armed group at an Istanbul courthouse, the Dogan news agency reported.

Mehmet Selim Kiraz was investigating the killing of Berkin Elvan, who died in March last year after spending 269 days in a coma due to injuries inflicted by police in the mass protests at Gezi park of early summer 2013.

Gunfire was heard at the courthouse, Dogan said. Some reports linked the hostage-taking to banned leftist group the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C).

A photo has been released on social media showing a man holding a gun to the head of Kiraz.

Turkish daily Hurriyet reported that the DHKP-C have given authorities until 3.36pm (1236 GMT) to meet their demands, which include “a live confession by the police officers suspected of killing Elvan”.

The group have also reportedly demanded the prosecution of the officers in a “people’s court” and the acquittal of all those who have taken part in solidarity protests for Elvan.

Police have cordoned off the sixth floor of the courthouse where Kiraz is being held and special forces are at the scene investigating.