İstanbul’s nightclub Reina demolished after deadly attack

İstanbul municipality Monday demolished the building of the city's famous nightclub Reina, where a deadly Daesh attack occurred early on New Year's Day.

Bulldozers razed the building of the nightclub -- which was opened in 2002 -- in the early hours of Monday, as the municipality found it "illegitimate".

"İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality committee has decided to demolish the illegitimate parts of Reina entertainment venue located in Ortakoy neighborhood in Beşiktaş district," a written statement by the municipality read.

"Parts of the building, which are illegitimate, has been demolished today based upon the decision of the municipality commission," it added.

Employees of the nightclub, speaking to Anadolu Agency, said that they were not aware of the decision and they saw the demolishment when they came to the club in the morning.

No statement has been provided by the nightclub officials about the decision.

At least 39 people, including a police officer, were killed when a gunman opened fire on partygoers at the nightclub in Istanbul's Ortaköy district on New Year's Eve.

On Jan. 16, Abdulgadir Masharipov -- the main suspect behind the deadly attack -- was captured by police in Istanbul's Esenyurt district.

Four other people, including a man of Kyrgyz origin and three women, were detained along with Masharipov.