Turkish parliament extends state of emergency for sixth time
Xinhua,January 19, 2018 Adjust font size:
ANKARA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish parliament on Thursday ratified a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for another three months, the sixth such extension since the failed coup attempt in 2016.
The extension will become effective from 1.00 a.m. (2200 GMT) on Jan. 19.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) backed the motion, while the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and People's Democratic Party (HDP) opposed it.
Under emergency rule, the government can bypass parliament and enact new laws, in addition to limiting or suspending pre-existing rights and freedoms.
Turkey declared a state of emergency for the first time on July 20, 2016, days after a failed military coup, which Ankara blames on the U.S.-based exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen. Enditem