Death of teen in coma since summer riots triggers protests in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, Turkey, March 12 (UPI) -- Mourners gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday for the funeral of a teen who died in a coma after being wounded during anti-government demonstrations in June.

Demonstrators across Turkey clashed with police in protests over the death Tuesday of Berkin Elvan, who was struck by a tear gas canister fired by police nine months ago during the height of the Gezi Park riots in Istanbul, Cihan News Agency reported.

"Berkin is our honor. He is immortal," protesters chanted in the Istanbul district where the teen's funeral was held. Black-and-white flags bearing Berkin's image were on sale.

At least 150 people were arrested during the confrontations in Istanbul and other cities that saw protesters throwing stones at law enforcement and police responding with tear gas and water cannons, National Turk reported.

Riot police shielded themselves from fireworks thrown by protesters during an anti-government protest in Kadikoy, witnesses said. In Ankara, police used tear gas and water cannons when thousands of university students blocked a major thoroughfare as they held photos of Berkin.

Cihan News Agency said protesters stood by barricades blocking roads to the neighborhood where Berkin's funeral was conducted. Signs on shop windows indicated stores would be closed for two days.