Erdogan breaks down in tears at funeral of friend killed in coup

Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan broke down in tears while speaking at the funeral of an old friend in Istanbul who was killed during the failed coup by a section of the Turkish military on Thursday.

Erol Olcak and his 16-year-old son who had marched to the Bosphorous bridge to protest against the coup staged by a section within the Turkish military were shot dead by rebels in Istanbul..


Erdogan speaking to crowd of hundreds chanting Allahu akbar, “God is greatest” said;

“Erol was an old friend of mine.”

Been taken by emotion, Erdogan then said in tears:

“I cannot speak any further. Condolences to our nation.”

He concluded:

“May God have mercy on your soul.”

Olcak had worked with Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The funeral held on the Asian side of the city was also attended by former prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu.

Erdogan had earlier on Sunday attended the funerals of other victims in Fatih mosque.

161 civilians and troops loyal to the government were killed, and another 104 coup plotters were also killed.