Turkey's government is likely to extend a state of emergency across the country by 3 months. It was imposed following a failed coup in July. The government announced the plan yesterday. The initial 3-month period was due to end on October 18th. <br/><br/>Government officials say that more time is needed to eradicate terrorist groups, including the movement led by US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of the coup attempt. <br/><br/>The state of emergency has given the government power to enact legislation without parliamentary approval. Authorities have arrested or detained more than 30,000 military personnel, judges and others in connection with the failed uprising. They have also dismissed or suspended over 80,000 public servants.<br/><br/>The extension is all but certain to be approved by parliament, in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party has a majority. Opposition parties are protesting the extension, calling it an abuse of power.