Turkey parliament approves extending date of emergency

In Turkey, Parliament has approved a government-backed motion to extend by another three months the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the July last year's failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The state of emergency, which has seen tens of thousands lose their jobs or arrested on suspicion, had already been prolonged once before and was due to expire on the 19th of this month.

Ankara said, the state of emergency is needed to eradicate the influence in Turkish institutions of the



US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who it blames for the failed coup. Gulen denies the charges. According to the latest figures published by the state-run Anadolu news agency, over 41,000 people have been arrested over suspected links to Gulen in the investigation.

The state of emergency gives the government special powers to fire state employees and close down associations, including media groups. It also extends the time that suspects can be held in jail without being charged.