I awoke this morning to the sad news that Berkin Elvan, who has been in a coma since he was struck in the head by a police officer’s tear gas canister during the Gezi Protests, passed away last night.   I had written about his deteriorating condition yesterday.

According to the the Hurriyet Daily News, the family made a general announcement via twitter: “To our people: We lost our son Berkin Elvan at 7 a.m. in the morning. Condolences to us all.”

I don’t know what to say in the face of the tragedy of losing a child.  Our condolences go out to Berkin’s family.  And our voices join with theirs in the call for justice.

Howard Eissenstat
St. Lawrence University