Turkey is likely to extend the state of emergency that was declared after the failed July 15 coup attempt for a period of three months.
In an unprecedented crackdown that followed the botched putsch tens of thousands of people have been jailed, suspended or sacked from public duty for their alleged link to Fethullah Gulen, who the government says orchestrated the coup attempt.
The country’s top national security body held a meeting on September 28, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and decided to propose extending the state of emergency. “To ensure the protection of our democracy, the rights and freedoms of citizens, and the principle of the rule of law, it was decided that an extension of the state of emergency should be proposed”, the National Security Council said in a statement. However, it did not indicate whether the state of emergency will be extended for another three months.
Western countries criticise sweeping purges and arrests, but Turkey says its allies fail to understand the threats posed by Gulen supporters who had infiltrated the country’s army, judiciary, police force and other key public institutions.
Some 32,000 people have been arrested and 70,000 are under investigation after the coup attempt, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on September 28.
Don’t just follow the news—understand it.
The IntelliNews PRO service includes access to reports, exclusive market data, and more news that decision-makers care about. Stay ahead of the market with IntelliNews PRO.
Sign Up NowRelated Articles
Iran's Araghchi arrives in Turkey for talks on US military build-up as Ankara looks to act as mediator
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Istanbul on January 30 for meetings with Turkish officials to discuss regional issues amid what he described as serious challenges posed by US ... more
TPAO and ExxonMobil sign deal for offshore exploration
The Turkish Petroleum Corp. (TPAO) has formalised a strategic partnership with Esso Exploration International, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, marking a significant escalation in Türkiye’s ambitions ... more
Turkish LPG carrier set on fire during Russian drone attack
A Turkish LPG carrier docked at the port of Izmail, Ukraine, was hit by a Russian drone during an attack, sparking a fire on the vessel, which has now been extinguished. According to the Maritime ... more