Turkish government to extend state emergency for seventh time

ANKARA

The Turkish government plans once more to extend the state of emergency for another three months after ratifying a Prime Ministry motion.

The extension of the state of emergency for the seventh time will be discussed on April 17 at the National Security Council (MGK) and the government will act in line with the decision of the meeting, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said on April 13.

The issue is expected to be discussed at parliament on April 19. As with previous extensions of emergency rule, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are expected to support the motion, while the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) are expected to oppose it.

Ankara declared a state of emergency for the first time on July 20, 2016, five days after a deadly military coup attempt.