On August 18, 2026, a knife attack occurred on the street in Gaziantep Province, Turkey. New Party congressman Melih Meriç was stabbed and injured after an argument with someone on the street. According to today’s Turkish reports, the suspect was identified as Seydi Ahmet Keleş, a former regional chairman of the Republican People’s Party of Turkey, who has a criminal record involving 27 offenses.
Ahmet Ulasan, a chief physician at the Gaziantep City Hospital, said that Merici's condition is improving. After the surgery, his intestinal damage has been repaired, and his blood pressure and other vital signs are stable. The patient is now out of danger, and his condition is stable.
Meanwhile, the investigation and arrest efforts are also underway. Security forces claim there are five suspects, including the main culprit, the driver involved in the incident, relatives, and on-site security personnel.
As of now, the motive behind this knife attack remains unknown. The authorities have not announced the reason for the attack, nor have they commented on whether the stabbing incident is related to political disputes.
But this attack took place against the backdrop of the split within the Republican People's Party. On July 24, 2026, Ozgur Ozel, former chairman of the Turkish Republican People's Party, along with 90 members of the party, formed a new party. The assassinated member of parliament, Merici, had previously been a member of the Republican People's Party.
According to reports, security cameras in the area captured this incident—the argument between Merrick and S.A.K escalated into physical conflict. Governor Ceber said that the attack occurred after Merrick spoke with S.A.K, and S.A.K approached him on the street. Before the perpetrator stabbed him, their conversation turned into an argument.
Monitoring screen
At the time of the incident, Merrick’s personal security personnel was not with him. The deputy sheriff granted police officers leave around noon, resulting in a lack of security.
However, it is puzzling how this S.A.K, bearing 27 charges of guilt, became the regional chairman of the Republican People’s Party.
Local law firms indicate that Turkish political parties are organizations that serve the public interest. Whether it’s the New Party or the Republican People’s Party, individuals who are convicted of crimes that endanger public order, national security, or constitutional order are very likely to be prohibited from holding leadership positions in their parties. For example, individuals convicted of terrorism, bribery, corruption, fraud, and other crimes may be considered unsuitable for leading parties in terms of party image and public safety.
This knife attack has been condemned by some high-ranking Turkish officials. Attorney General Akin Gurlek issued a statement on social media, describing it as a "despicable attack," and stated that the office of the Chief Prosecutor in Gaziantep has immediately launched a criminal investigation. Gurlek said, "We oppose all forms of violence, regardless of its source or motives."
New Party leadership member Ezguol Erzeil also condemned the attack: “Under any circumstances, we will not accept violence, threats and intimidation being cast on politics. We expect those responsible to be punished without delay.”
