Turkish Prosecutor Taken Hostage at Courthouse

A prosecutor in Turkey has been taken hostage by an armed anti-government group, as reported by Turkish media.

The photograph of the arrested prosecutor was displayed in social media, Al Jazeera reported.

Mehmet Selim Kiraz had been investigating the controversial murder of Berkin Elvan, who had died a year ago after 269 days in coma caused by police violence during the mass anti-government protests of summer 2013.

The Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP/C) took responsibility for the terrorist act through social media. The soldier threatened to kill Kiraz if the officer who shot Berkin was not arrested immediately.

Deadline for the ultimatum is set for 15:35 local time, and special Turkish government forces are currently leading an operation to counteract the terrorist.