Iran advises nationals to heed Turkey emergency state

Iran’s embassy in Ankara has strongly advised Iranians living in or visiting Turkey to heed the regulations of a state of emergency in the aftermath of last weekend’s abortive coup against the Turkish government.

The embassy said in a Thursday advisory that Iranian nationals must pay attention to announcements of the Turkish security officials and become aware of the regulations of the emergency state through authorized sources before departing for the neighboring country.

The Iranian embassy also urged Iranian residents or tourists in Turkey to make consultations with reliable lawyers familiar with Turkish law before signing any contract or doing any economic activity that would carry financial or legal liabilities.

Turkish lawmakers on Thursday endorsed a motion declaring a state of emergency following last Friday night's botched coup.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the three-month state of emergency late on Wednesday, stressing that the emergency measures would enable the Turkish government to rid the military of the “virus” of subversion.

Under the terms of the Turkish constitution, the state of emergency allows Ankara to rule by decree, passing bills that have the force of the rule of law unless they are overturned by parliament.

It further permits Ankara to “partially or entirely” suspend “the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms” so long as it does not violate international law obligations.

The measures come amid the Turkish government’s sweeping crackdown on those believed to have played a role in the failed July 15 putsch.

The coup began when a faction of the Turkish military declared it was in control of the country and the government was no more in charge.

Tanks, helicopters, and soldiers then clashed with police and people on the streets of the capital Ankara and Istanbul.

Erdogan said on Thursday that the death toll from the failed coup attempt had risen to 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and that 2,185 people had sustained injuries.

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