Dramatic footage released in Turkey in the past day shows the moments of violence in the heart of Gaziantep: Melih Meriç, a member of parliament from the New Party, is seen talking with a man near his vehicle when the argument between the two quickly escalates into a violent confrontation. At one point a knife is pulled, and Meriç is stabbed in front of bystanders.
According to local reports, following the stabbing Meriç was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery and was then moved to intensive care. Turkey’s health minister said his overall condition is good and that he continues to receive treatment and monitoring.
Shortly after the attack, the suspect in the stabbing was arrested—Seydi Ahmet Keleş, who previously served as chairman of the Republican People’s Party branch in Oğuzeli. The number of people detained in the case later rose to five, and Turkish authorities have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident and those involved.