Dramatic footage from Turkey: Opposition member stabbed in the street
Member of Parliament for the New Turkish Party, Melih Meriç, was stabbed in broad daylight near his car. After an argument that escalated into a violent confrontation, the opposition member was taken to the hospital in serious condition, where he underwent emergency surgery. The main suspect is a member of his former party, the Republican People's Party, Saidi Ahmet Keles.
Footage published in Turkey shows an unusual incident in which Member of Parliament for the New Turkish Party, Melih Meriç, was stabbed in broad daylight near his car, right in the middle of the street. In the video, the opposition member is seen getting into an argument that quickly escalated into violence and a stabbing attack.
Following the serious injury, Meriç was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. According to reports, the attacker was a member of his former party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), Saidi Ahmet Keles. The suspect is known to security forces; local police reported that he is the former head of the Oguzeli district branch of the CHP. Turkish media indicates that the argument broke out during a meeting with citizens in the Ibni Sina neighborhood.
The party leadership and medical personnel who performed the emergency surgery reported that his condition is stable, and he continues to receive treatment in the recovery ward.
Background of the party struggle
The CHP is the oldest party in Turkey, founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. It historically represents the Kemalist, secular, and social-democratic stream. Recently, internal tensions led to the ousting of leader Özgür Özel, who in response founded a new party to which 91 members of parliament from the CHP moved, including Meriç.
