# Stabbing of Yeni Parti MP Melih Meriç

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/stabbing-of-yeni-parti-mp-melih-meri
> Updated: 2026-08-22T08:15:30.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 3.

Melih Meriç, a Yeni Parti Member of Parliament for Gaziantep, was stabbed during a street visit in the Şahinbey district following a dispute. The assailant, identified as Seydi Ahmet Keleş—a former CHP Oğuzeli District President with 27 prior criminal records—was apprehended. Keleş claimed the attack was motivated by a dispute over a promised political appointment within the Yeni Parti.

Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber reported that Meriç underwent successful surgery and was placed in intensive care. Following medical evaluations, Meriç is being transferred from Gaziantep City Hospital to Koç University Hospital in Istanbul via air ambulance at the request of his family. Medical reports indicate Meriç sustained serious injuries, including damage to his intestines.

In the legal developments following the attack, Seydi Ahmet Keleş and his son, Hakan Keleş, have been arrested by judicial authorities on charges of attempted murder, while three other suspects were released under judicial control. 

Following the incident, the Yeni Parti has officially expelled Seydi Ahmet Keleş from the party. Separately, the investigation into the aftermath continues as Erhan Deniz Güngen, the Gaziantep Provincial Chairman of the Yeni Parti, was questioned by police for “publicly spreading misleading information.” Güngen clarified that his previous claims regarding “certain circles” attempting to hinder the party’s growth were specifically directed at Keleş, intended to defend the party’s institutional identity.

## Claims

- The Yeni Parti Gaziantep Provincial Board decided to permanently expel Seydi Ahmet Keleş from the party. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Melih Meriç was stabbed during a dispute with Seydi Ahmet Keleş in Gaziantep. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Seydi Ahmet Keleş was arrested on charges of attempted intentional murder. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Melih Meriç was transferred to Koç University Hospital in Istanbul via ambulance plane and placed on intubation. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Yeni Parti Deputy Melih Meriç stabbed in Gaziantep

Yeni Parti Deputy Melih Meriç was stabbed in Gaziantep during a dispute with Seydi Ahmet Keleş. Keleş has been arrested and expelled from the party, while Meriç remains in intensive care in Istanbul.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veli-ababa-denies-bribery-allegations-in-turkish-parliament

### 2026-08-20: Yeni Parti Chairman Güngen questioned over stabbing investigation

Yeni Parti Gaziantep Chairman Erhan Deniz Güngen gave a police statement regarding his comments on the stabbing of MP Melih Meriç, identifying the attacker as the person he meant by “certain circles.”

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yeni-parti-chairman-gngen-questioned-over-stabbing-investigation

### 2026-08-18: Melih Meriç stabbed in Gaziantep during political dispute

Yeni Parti MP Melih Meriç was stabbed in Gaziantep following a dispute with former CHP official Seydi Ahmet Keleş. The suspect has been apprehended, and Meriç is recovering in intensive care.

46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melih-meri-injured-in-knife-attack-in-gaziantep

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Cite as: Stabbing of Yeni Parti MP Melih Meriç. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/stabbing-of-yeni-parti-mp-melih-meri