Latest: Bomb detonated in Ankara demonstrations
35 confirmed dead and counting
Thirty-five demonstrators confirmed dead in a blast in Ankara this morning and more fatalities are expected to be announced later this evening.
Dozens injured in the deadly car-bomb that hit pro-Palestinian activists refusing to withdraw a lawsuit against four top Israeli military chiefs over the fatal 2010 raid.
The blast occurred this morning around 11:30 am in the central district of the Turkish capital. Thousands of protestors demonstrated with regards to the trial of four Israeli military chiefs.
No official statement has been made by the Turkish government regarding the deadly attack as of yet, although a formal press release is expected later this evening.
The protests follow a formal apology Israel made last month for the botched raid on May 31, 2010 in which its commandos killed nine Turkish activists on a Gaza-bound flotilla.
Bulent Arnic, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister issued a statement last week regarding the legal compensation of the families of those killed.
“It’s a legal right for the victims’ families to demand compensation” said Arnic, adding that it would be up to them to accept a possible deal or go ahead with the court process.
The trial started in Istanbul’s Seventh High Criminal Court last Tuesday.
The court will hear testimony from those who were aboard the aid flotilla and a total of 490 people, including activists and journalists, are expected to give evidence.
Demonstrators were reported to chant “Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine!” as others held up a banner with the words “What is the difference? Hitler = Israel.”
“Israel, your end is near”, “Down with Israel”, “The revenge of our martyrs will be bitter,” read a banner outside the courthouse.
The Israeli Embassy in Ankara refused to comment on today’s incident, which occurred after Israeli officials visited their formerly strategic ally for the first time in almost three years beginning a high-stake reconciliation process since the 2010 raid.
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