ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s leader on Thursday criticized protests being held regarding the death of a teenager who was wounded by police as an attempt to create chaos and influence upcoming elections.

The 15-year-old boy, Berkin Elvan, died Tuesday, nine months after being hit by a police tear gas canister during widespread anti-government protests and slipping into a coma. He was injured while walking to a bakery to buy bread and was not taking part in the protests.