Verdict announced in Metin Lokumcu case: All defendants acquitted

A significant development has occurred in the case opened regarding the death of retired teacher Metin Lokumcu (55), who fell ill and passed away due to the effects of pepper spray used during incidents that broke out before a rally by then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the Hopa district of Artvin in 2011. 

The court issued an acquittal verdict in the trial where 13 police officers were being prosecuted.

The court panel rejected the request by the family's lawyers for a site inspection to re-examine the incident. 

The court did not accept this request, citing the need to re-examine the details of the incident, and issued an acquittal verdict for the 13 police officers.

WHAT HAPPENED?

 The incidents occurred during protests regarding environmental and producer rights in the region prior to the visit of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Following Lokumcu's death, Erdoğan had said, "Someone died of a heart attack, I believe. I am not dwelling on it," and had referred to the protests as 'banditry'.

News Source: 12punto