Attacker who stabbed YENİ Party's Melih Meriç caught: Turns out to be former CHP district head with 27 criminal records

YENİ Party Gaziantep MP Melih Meriç was subjected to a knife attack on the street in Gaziantep. While the injured Meriç was taken to the hospital, 5 people identified as being connected to the incident were detained.

According to initial information, it was stated that Meriç was stabbed by Seydi Ahmet Keleş, the former CHP Oğuzeli District Head. Following the attack, police and medical teams were dispatched to the area. The injured Meriç was taken to the hospital by ambulance and placed under treatment.

It was reported that Meriç's surgery has been completed and his health condition is good. A judicial investigation was launched following the incident.

5 PEOPLE DETAINED

Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber announced that 5 people have been detained in connection with the incident.

Çeber said, "A total of 5 suspects have been detained: S.A.K., the suspect in the knife attack on our Gaziantep MP Melih Meriç; A.Ç., the driver of the private vehicle the suspect boarded from the scene; E.D., the driver of the commercial vehicle he boarded after changing vehicles; H.K., a relative of the suspect; and R.Ç., a private security guard present at the scene."

MOMENTS OF THE ATTACK ON CAMERA

Security camera footage of the moment Melih Meriç was subjected to the knife attack has also emerged.

In the footage, it was seen that Seydi Ahmet K. injured Meriç with a knife in his hand during the scuffle.

GOVERNOR ÇEBER: SURGERY WAS SUCCESSFUL

Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber visited the hospital where Meriç is being treated and received information from doctors about his health status.

Çeber stated that Meriç's surgery was completed and his condition is good. Making statements regarding the attack, Çeber said that Meriç first chatted with the person who approached him on the street, that the meeting later turned into an argument, and that the knife attack took place during this time.

Çeber said, "The individual is a known person. He is the former Oğuzeli district head of one of our political parties."

ATTACKER REPORTED TO HAVE 27 CRIMINAL RECORDS

Governor Çeber announced that the person identified as the attacker has 27 separate criminal records.

Çeber said, "His route is identified. Our colleagues will catch him in a short time using all technical means, all physical means, and human resource capabilities. Now all our teams are working in that region," he said.

MINISTER GÜRLEK: INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek also announced that an investigation into the attack has been launched by the Gaziantep Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Condemning the attack, Gürlek conveyed his get-well wishes to Meriç. Minister Gürlek said, “Regardless of its source and justification, we are against all forms of violence. Our judicial authorities are taking all necessary steps with determination to uncover all dimensions of this dark attack and ensure that those responsible are held accountable before justice.”