* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)
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Publicly known for his efforts to protect Lake Salda from construction, Yeşilova Mayor of Burdur province from main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Mümtaz Şenel (68) and his wife Fatma Şenel (64) were subjected to an armed attack at their home in early morning hours today (April 20). Injured in their feet, the two are reportedly in good health.
CLICK - Construction Vehicles Enter Lake Salda, Leave After Outrage
Making a statement about the attack, CHP Burdur MP Mehmet Göker has said that the assaulters came to the house of the mayor at around 4.30 a.m. and introduced themselves as police officers. When Mümtaz Şenel opened the door for them, the assaulters shot him in the feet.
"They also opened fire on his wife, who tried to intervene," Göker has said and added, "Mümtaz Şenel has been wounded in his left knee, left foot and right foot while his wife Fatma Şenel has been wounded in her left foot. They are not in a life-threatening situation. They are still in treatment."
Noting that they do not have concrete information as to the cause of the incident, Göker has said that a hotel was sealed off two days ago and they are now making inquiries about this incident.
While the assaulters fled the scene of incident after injuring Mümtaz and Fatma Şenel, the two were first taken to Yeşilova State Hospital in an ambulance. Following the first response there, they were referred to Burdur State Hospital, where they were taken under surgical operation.
Burdur Governor's Office: Two people detained
Releasing a written statement about the incident, the Governor's Office of Burdur has announced that two assaulters have been taken into custody.
"As of this moment, two people have been taken into custody and the efforts to solve the incident and catch the perpetrator continue by using all means in a comprehensive manner," the statement has briefly said.
He announced construction vehicles' entry to Salda
Last week, Mümtaz Şenel shared the pictures of construction equipments that entered Lake Salda and informed the public about the ensuing destruction. The works had to be stopped amid public outrage, especially about the sand moved from the beach. The workers of the company undertaking the construction have been dismissed after the incident.
The Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) said in a written statement that "they were also disturbed" by the images and penal action was taken against the firm. Minister Kurum also made a statement on the incident, saying that they would set up a 24/7 surveillance system to protect the area.
On the ministry's project, he said, "Our project is a project to hand down Salda to next generations by protecting it in the best way with its white beaches, turquoise color." He added that only demountable wooden material would be used in the recreational facility, noting that they banned camp tents and caravans from the area. (HA/SD)
