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Main opposition’s Kılıçdaroğlu says nightclub attack targeted lifestyle

Forensic officers (unseen) work inside the Reina night club, one of the Istanbul's most exclusive party spots, early on January 1, 2017 after at least one gunmen went on a shooting rampage during New Year's Eve celebrations. Thirty-nine people, including many foreigners, were killed when a gunman reportedly dressed as Santa Claus stormed an Istanbul nightclub as revellers were celebrating the New Year, the latest carnage to rock Turkey after a bloody 2016. / AFP PHOTO / OZAN KOSE

Issuing a statement following a deadly attack on a popular İstanbul nightclub in the first hours of New Year’s Day, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said that the terrorist attack directly targeted people’s daily lives.

The main opposition leader also said that the lack of accountability on the part of officials and the absence of any resignations lead to vulnerability in the fight against terrorism.

In the run-up to New Year’s Eve, debates over celebrating the new year took place on social media as Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (DİB) issued a Friday sermon to be preached in all Turkish mosques on Dec. 30 declaring such celebrations “illegitimate.”

Following the attack that killed at least 39 including 24 foreign nationals, President of the DİB Mehmet Görmez condemned the incident, saying that there is no difference between targeting an entertainment venue or a temple and that no terrorist attack is acceptable.

Thirty-five of the victims have been identified thus far, and police are continuing to search for the assailant.

Sixty-nine people were injured, with four in critical condition.

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