Turkey: State of emergency to expire on July 19 after nearly two years /update 5

Event

Turkey's Minister of Justice confirmed on Monday, July 16, that the government will allow the state of emergency to expire at 01:00 (local time) on Thursday, July 19. Turkey's government had previously extended the state of emergency seven times since the failed coup d'état on July 15, 2016, which left over 250 people dead. Local sources report that during the nearly two-year state of emergency, the Turkish government arrested nearly 230,000 people, purged nearly 140,000 people from their jobs, and forced at least 1400 NGOs, 174 media organizations, and 19 trade unions to close.

Context

On June 25, Turkey's Supreme Election Council declared President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan the winner of the June 24 general elections. This was the first presidential election to take place since the country held a referendum in April 2017 which approved constitutional changes granting the president additional powers, effectively making permanent many of the additional powers granted by the expiring state of emergency. Critics have repeatedly denounced the state's alleged human rights violations and increasing restrictions on political freedom under the guise of national security.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey should expect continuing heightened security measures, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, and carry proper identification at all times (e.g. passport). Avoid all demonstrations or public gatherings as a precaution.