Nationwide anti-gun campaign launched

Turkey has mounted a nationwide campaign against the use of firing guns at ceremonies and weddings. Backing the campaign is a group of NGOs, the media, police and the state. Turkish citizens have suffered injuries and some have died caught by stray bullets that are fired during celebrations. Two deputies from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) made national headlines when they were seen firing guns at a wedding. The Gaziantep police department are the first to act in support of the campaign by launching a poster campaign on Friday to put an end to this practice. Local Police Chief Abdullah Bolcu said that plain clothes policemen would be attending ceremonies in order to stop this practice. "We don't want our residents shedding any more tears during what's supposed to be their happiest moments," said Bolcu. The police chief noted, "The practice was common in the region and has caused many tragedies and hoped the poster campaign would have an effect. We have 3,000 posters and are hanging them up where everyone can see. No one can defend."Â