Turkish MP nomination candidate found dead in hotel room

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

AA Photo

A candidate for MP nomination in the upcoming elections for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) was found dead in a hotel room April 8 in the capital city of Ankara.

Hotel personnel found Celal Ayrancı, who was the candidate nominee for the AKP from the eastern province of Bingöl, dead from a gunshot wound to the head in his hotel room.

Development Minister Cevdet Yılmaz arrived on the scene and inquired about the death of Ayrancı.

“It is new yet. Security forces and the prosecution are investigating the incident, which is truly shocking. The institutions will make necessary statements,” said Yılmaz.

Yılmaz also commented on the allegations that Ayrancı committed suicide since he was not listed in the AKP’s candidate list for the upcoming elections.

“We do not know yet. These allegations might be true but a reliable statement will be made once the investigation is complete,” said Yılmaz.

Ayrancı’s funeral will be held in Bingöl on April 9.

The death of Ayrancı came just after all political parties submitted their candidacy lists to the Supreme Election Board (YSK) on April 7.