Hacý Zengin, 57, who lost his life on Sunday in Istanbul as a result of the vicious attack by police on the crowd celebrating Newroz (Kurdish New Year) will be buried today, after the autopsy.

The BDP executive was secretary of the Arnavutköy party's branch. It is reported he had been hit by a tear gas cannister thrown by police.

Istanbul yesterday became a battlefield with police deterimined not to let people celebrate Newroz. Dozens were taken into custody and there was news of torture and harassment at police stations were the people were taken. It is reported that at least 165 people have been taken into custody in Istanbul. Everybody agrees yesterday's Newroz events had two characteristics: the huge crowd who took to the streets sending a very strong message to the Turkish authorities and the strong smell of tear gas. Police indeed violently and constanly attacked people, throwing gas bombs and baton charging the crowd.