Anti-State of Emergency Rally Banned in İzmir Under State of Emergency Law
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Under regulations of the State of Emergency, İzmir Governorship has banned the "Not State of Emergency, Emergency Democracy Rally" organized by Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), Confederation of Public Workers' Unions (KESK), Chamber of Engineers and Architects of Turkey (TMMOB), Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and İzmir Labor and Democracy Forces formed by some NGOs and political parties.
İzmir Labor and Democracy Forces applied to the governorship to organize the rally on Decemeber 23, 2017 on Gündoğdu Square in İzmir.
Holding a press statement yesterday (December 14), the organizations informed that the governorship denied their request and noted that this ban also exactly showed how rightful the planned rally was.
The governorship banned the rally under the State of Emergency Law and the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No. 2911.
State of Emergency in effect since July 21, 2016
The State of Emergency was first declared on July 21, 2016 following the coup attempt on July 15. Of the 461 MPs who were present at the voting, 346 MPs voted in favor and 115 MPs against the State of Emergency.
On October 19, 2016 the State of Emergency that had been in effect for three months, was extended for an additional three months for the first time.
On January 19, 2017 the State of Emergency was extended for three more months for the second time.
On April 19, 2017, the State of Emergency was extended for three more months for the third time.
On July 21, the State of Emergency was extended for the fourth time after being in effect for a whole year.
On October 17, Council of Ministers Spokesperson Bozdağ announced that the State of Emergency has been extended for three more months.
According to the last extension, the State of Emergency is supposed to end on January 20, 2018.
State of Emergency in the Constitution
The regulations regarding the State of Emergency are regulated in the third section of the Constitution. Article 119 of the Constitution provides that the State of Emergency should be declared "in the case of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic diseases or a serious economic crisis".
CLICK - Content of Bans, Restrictions in State of Emergency
Article 120 of the Constitution regulates foresees that State of Emergency be declared "in the event of serious indications of widespread acts of violence aimed at the destruction of the free democratic order established by the Constitution or of fundamental rights and freedoms, or serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence".
III. Procedure Governing Emergency RuleA. States of Emergency 1. Declaration of State of Emergency on Account of Natural Disaster or Serious Economic Crisis ARTICLE 119. In the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic diseases or a serious economic crisis, the Council of Ministers, meeting under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic may declare a state of emergency in one or more regions or throughout the country for a period not exceeding six months. 2. Declaration of State of Emergency on Account of Widespread Acts of Violence and Serious Deterioration of Public Order ARTICLE 120. In the event of serious indications of widespread acts of violence aimed at the destruction of the free democratic order established by the Constitution or of fundamental rights and freedoms, or serious deterioration of public order because of acts of violence, the Council of Ministers, meeting under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic, after consultation with the National Security Council, may declare a state of emergency in one or more regions or throughout the country for a period not exceeding six months. |
(AS/DG)
* Photograph: Doğan News Agency / İzmir