THIRTY people are to be charged after they set up a small camp on Didim’s new Town Square to protest against the death of Berkin Elvan, one of the youngest people to die as a result of the Gezi Park protests.

Berkin, a 14-year-old boy, was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister during the evening protests at Okmeydani, on 15 June 2013, sustaining severe head injuries. After 269 days in coma, Berkin lost his fight for life,

His death led to many protests, including a small, but peaceful ‘justice vigil’ on Didim’s Ataturk Square on March 14.

About 30 people were eventually detained by the police, taken into custody and released after a day of questioning.

The matter was investigated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and have initiated an indictment to Didim’s 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance.

Accepted by the court, the charges among others allege  damaging public property and organising illegal meetings and demonstrations. Local media said that such crimes can carry sentences of a total of 11 years imprisonment.

The first hearing is scheduled for November 17.