Three-month state of emergency declared in Turkey

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Wednesday a nationwide three-month state of emergency after Friday's failed coup that martyred 246 people and injured over 1,500 others.

"The purpose of the state of emergency is to most effectively and swiftly take steps necessary to eliminate the threat to democracy in our country, the rule of law, and the rights and freedom of our citizens," Erdogan said. ​

After back-to-back National Security Council and Cabinet meetings – the first since the coup – Erdogan made a statement saying the three-month state of emergency was being declared under Article 120 of the Turkish Constitution.

Under Article 120, in the event of serious indications of widespread acts of violence aimed at the destruction of the free democratic order, a state of emergency may be declared in one or more regions or throughout the country for a period not exceeding six months.

Speaking words of reassurance to the Turkish people, Erdogan said: "Never be worried. There is nothing to worry about."

He said "it is out of the question" for the armed forces to seize power. "Quite the reverse, the authority and will of the [civilian] leaders will grow more in this process."

"We never compromise on democracy, and we will not compromise," he added.

Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating Turkish state institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming a “parallel state.”

At least 246 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred during the failed putsch, and over 1,500 others were wounded as they protested it.

*Diyar Guldogan contributed to this report from Ankara.