Turkey extends state of emergency for three months

ANKARA, Oct 17 (KUNA) -- The Turkish parliament on Tuesday approved the extension of a state of emergency, declared following the failed coup attempt in July 2016, for additional three months.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the National Movement voted for the move, however the Republican People's Party, the largest opposition party, and Democratic People's Party, the Kurdish majority, were against.
Turkey's government asked the parliament to approve a note on extending the state of emergency.
It is the fifth extension of the state of emergency in the country since the failed coup attempt. It will begin as of Thursday.
Earlier today, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said it was an essential matter to declare the state of emergency to counter terrorism.
On July 15, 2016, Turkey witnessed a coup attempt carried out by some members of the army. The Turkish government accused the "parallel state" led by Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the attempt. (end) rs.hm