The developments unfolded in Turkey was a bloody coup attempt by a group of plotters in the military, linked to the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), to overthrow the democratically-elected Government and the constitutional order in Turkey.

FETÖ which staged this treason has dangerous undercover networks not only in the army but also in several state organs. In the context of the ongoing measures for public order and security, a nation-wide State of Emergency was declared as from today, the 21st of July 2016 in accordance with our Constitution and in full observance of European Convention of Human Rights.

State of emergency is a measure permissible under international law taken by many states when there is an imminent threat to its security and order, as it is the case with France who has recently extended for another six months the country wide state of emergency. It is evident that Turkey has faced serious and multi-dimensional security threats since 15th July.

The state of emergency will not affect fundamental rights and freedoms of our citizens. On the contrary, it is a nation-wide measure taken for the efficient protection of the constitutional order as well as fundamental rights and freedoms. Utmost importance is duly being shown to this end.

Democratic structure of the state will be protected and the rule of law will continue to be upheld.