THE FOREIGN OFFICE has warned British nationals in Turkey to stay away from protests following the death of teenager Berkin Elvan.
Tens of thousands of people turned out for the boy’s funeral in Istanbul. He died nine months after being hit in the head by a police teargas canister during last summer’s anti-government protests.
The Foreign Office’s travel advice on Turkey reads: “In response to [Berkin’s] death there are likely to be demonstrations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other cities across Turkey.
“In Istanbul demonstrations are likely to focus on the Şişli and Kadıköy districts, as well as around Taksim Square.
The advice continues: “You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. The effects of tear gas can be felt several hundred metres beyond the immediate site of demonstrations. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”