Retired police officer takes his own life during pensioners' protest in Turkey

Retired police officer takes his own life during pensioners' protest in Turkey

Ali Şekeroğlu, a retired police officer, took his own life during a protest in Ankara, Turkey, where pensioners were demonstrating to demand better pension payments. He died at the scene.

The 60-year-old Şekeroğlu shot himself with his service weapon during a rally involving 25 pensioners' organizations. Reports indicate that prior to the incident, he had spoken about his actions and stated that he "could not make ends meet." He was also carrying a sign at the protest reading, "Not for money, but for our dignity." According to witnesses, he had mentioned before the incident that a grandchild had been born but he could not afford to buy a gold gift for the occasion.

The protesters demanded pension adjustments and additional payments. Calls for the government's resignation were also voiced during the rally.