State of emergency in Turkey extended for sixth time

State of emergency in Turkey extended for sixth time

ISTANBUL

The Turkish Parliament on Jan. 18 extended the ongoing state of emergency in Turkey for another three months after ratifying a prime ministry motion.

The sixth extension will become effective from 1:00 a.m. 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 the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) opposed it.

According to the constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum period of six months.

Turkey declared a state of emergency for the first time on July 20, 2016 following a deadly coup attempt orchestrated by the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ).