Suspect who stabbed Yeni Party deputy and his son arrested: Prosecutor's statement revealed

In the investigation into the stabbing of Yeni Party Gaziantep Deputy Melih Meriç in Gaziantep, Seydi Ahmet Keleş, who is alleged to have carried out the attack, and his son Hakan Keleş have been arrested. A.Ç., E.D., and private security guard R.Ç., who were named in the file, were released under judicial control conditions.

The incident occurred on the evening of the day before yesterday in the Karataş neighborhood. It is alleged that an argument broke out between Melih Meriç and Seydi Ahmet Keleş, who had previously resigned from his position as CHP Oğuzeli District Chair and his party to join the Yeni Party. When the argument turned into a fight in a short time, Meriç was injured with a knife.

Upon notification, police and medical teams were dispatched to the area. Meriç, who received initial intervention at the scene, was taken to Gaziantep City Hospital. Meriç, who was stated to have suffered damage to his intestines due to the knife wound, was taken into surgery. It was reported that the deputy, whose treatment is ongoing, is in improving health condition.

As a result of the police teams' work, Seydi Ahmet Keleş and four people considered to be involved in the incident were detained. After the procedures at the police station, the suspects were referred to the courthouse.

SUSPECT'S STATEMENT ENTERED THE FILE

Following the prosecutor's interrogation, Seydi Ahmet Keleş was arrested for "attempted intentional homicide," and his son Hakan Keleş was arrested for "aiding a criminal" and "concealing evidence of a crime." Judicial control provisions were applied to A.Ç., E.D., and R.Ç.

It was stated that Seydi Ahmet Keleş, whose statement was taken within the scope of the investigation, has a criminal record of 27 offenses. In his statement, Keleş claimed that he had been promised an appointment as the Yeni Party Oğuzeli District Chair, but that he reacted when he learned that another person would be appointed instead.

Keleş said that before the incident, Meriç had called him on the phone, asked for his location, and arrived in front of the site. Stating that he had been drinking alcohol, Keleş claimed that he took a fruit knife when leaving the house because he thought the deputy might have security and a weapon with him.

"At that moment, I swung the knife in my hand towards him to protect myself. At that time, I didn't even understand whether the knife hit him or not."

Keleş argued that he realized Meriç was injured when he saw the blood stain on his shirt. Stating in his testimony that he called out to those around him after the incident to ask for an ambulance, Keleş claimed that he said, "For God's sake, call an ambulance from here, take my deputy to the hospital."

The investigation continues regarding the motive for the attack, the roles of the individuals present during the incident, and the evaluation of the evidence.