The Turkish government Monday said plans to extend the state of emergency imposed after the 2016 failed coup for the sixth time, despite criticism that it is used to target Ankara’s critics.
The parliament then has to formally approve the extension.
The emergency was introduced a few days after the attempted overthrow of Erdogan on July 15, 2016, blamed on the group led by US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen.
Gulen denies the charges but authorities have used the emergency measures to crack down on those alleged to have links to his movement as well as outlawed Kurdish militants.
Since the attempted coup, over 55,000 people have been arrested while more than 140,000 public sector workers, including judges and teachers, have been suspended or sacked.
