Lawmakers vote on extending the ongoing state of emergency at Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, on April 18, 2018. Turkish parliament on Wednesday approved a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for three more months. (Xinhua)
ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish parliament on Wednesday approved a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for three more months.
This seventh extension move means the period of state of emergency in Turkey will reach two years, and the parliamentary and presidential elections will be held under the state of emergency.
Turkey declared state of emergency on July 20, 2016, five days after a failed coup attempt that kill 250 people and left thousands injured.
Turkish government accused the U.S. based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen as chief plotter behind the coup.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said that the state of emergency is targeting at terrorists and terror groups, rather than peaceful citizens.
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), however, urged the government to lift state of emergency soon, saying it would cast shadow over upcoming elections.
