One More Person Detained in Investigation into Diyarbakır Explosion

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Mehmet Emin Ay, who was nominated for the District Mayorship of Kulp in Diyarbakır ahead of March 31 local elections, but whose candidacy was rejected by the Supreme Election Council (YSK), has been taken into custody as part of an investigation launched into the explosion that claimed the lives of seven people and wounded 10 others in Kulp on September 12.

CLICK - Explosion in Diyarbakır: 7 People Lose Their Lives

Detained in a house raid by Uzunova Village Sivrice Gendarmerie Command, Ay has been referred to the Anti-Terror Branch of District Security Directorate. With the detention of Ay, the number of people taken into custody in relation with the attack has increased to four.

CLICK - HDP Kulp District Chair and Civil Works Director Detained

What happened?

An explosive previously planted on the ground exploded while a vehicle carrying forest workers were passing in Ağaçkorur village in Kulp in Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakır on September 12.

It was initially announced that four people lost their lives and 13 people, seven of whom were in serious condition, were wounded in the explosion. The death toll has then risen to seven and wounded to ten.

As part of the investigation launched into the attack, a warrant was issued against four people after it was reported that shortly before the improvised explosive exploded, a vehicle of the municipality was seen in the vicinity. Accordingly, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Kulp District Organization Chair Abidin Karaman, Civil Works Director of Kulp Municipality Şener Aktaş and Kulp Co-Mayor Mehmet Fatih Taş were detained on the day of incident. With the detention of Mehmet emin Ay, the number of the detained has increased to four as of September 16. (RT/SD)

* Photograph: AA