In the wake of the failed coup attempt against him last week, Turkish President Recep Erdogan on Wednesday declared a three-month state of emergency. In an address following a cabinet meeting, Erdogan said the decision was necessary “in order for us to speedily and swiftly deal with all of the elements of the terrorist organization.” Erdogan maintained he has the authority to declare the state of emergency under the country’s constitution. “It has the purpose of strengthening and protecting” the values of democracy and the rule of law, he said.
