Attack on New Year Celebration in Ortaköy Kills 39 People

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

An armed assault has been launched on the entertainment venue called Reina in Ortaköy district in İstanbul.

As to the attack carried out against the venue in which new year celebrations were held, İstanbul Governor Vasip Şahin, who described the incident as "a terror attack launched by a terrorist with a long-barreled weapon", declared that 35 people lost their lives and 40 others injured.

In his statement at 10 p.m., Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu announced that 39 people were killed and 69 others four whom were heavily injured.

The minister added that the search to capture the attackers is ongoing.

Gag order

The Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTÜK) has issued a temporary gag order.

President of Religious Affairs condemned the attack

President of Religious Affairs Mehmet Görmez condemned the attack on Twitter.

“There is no difference in carrying out this inhumane attack on a bazaar, a sanctuary or an entertainment venue. Target of terrorists are not venues but people, country, nation, humanity. Terrorism is unacceptable no matter where it comes from”.

The presidency had issued a sermon on December 30, stating that “new year celebrations belong to other cultures, other worlds” and “such illegitimate acts are inappropriate for Muslims”. (EKN/TK)