Halil Kantarcı: Life and death during the July 15 coup attempt

Halil Kantarcı was a Turkish citizen who became a symbolic figure following his death during the July 15, 2016, coup attempt. Originally from Sivas, Kantarcı spent approximately nine years in prison after being unlawfully detained at age 16 during the February 28 process. He was initially facing a death sentence for allegedly attempting to change the constitutional order, but he was eventually acquitted after his innocence was established.

Following his release, Kantarcı engaged in commercial activities in Istanbul and participated in humanitarian work. He was notably active in civil society, coordinating with organizations such as the Sadakataşı Association to support orphan children in Africa.

On the night of the July 15 coup attempt, Kantarcı went to the Çengelköy district in Istanbul to resist the coup attempt. He was killed by gunfire during the resistance. He is survived by his wife and three children.