Slain police officer laid to rest in Istanbul

The Istanbul Police Department yesterday held a memorial service for senior officer Semih Balaban, who was killed during an operation on Monday against a suspected terrorist hideout in Bostanci. Attending the service were Balaban's family, State Minister and chief negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler, Istanbul Police Chief Celalettin Cerrah, and many other administrative and military officials. Balaban was buried after funeral prayers at Istanbul's Fatih Mosque.