An order included in a new state of emergency decree has led opposition parties to fear that it is a license for pro-government vigilante violence, Bloomberg said.

“The order, declared in the Official Gazette on Sunday, grants sweeping immunity for acting against terrorism or attempts to overthrow the government,” Bloomberg said. “Civilians won’t face legal consequences for actions against last year’s coup attempt – or more importantly – anything that could be considered its ‘continuation.’”

Bloomberg quoted opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) parliamentarian Özgür Özel as saying that the measure could lead to the “slaughter” of his party faithful.

“They will unleash vigilantes on us in a future democratic rally and will face no charges,” Özel said.

The decrees, issued jointly by the president and cabinet, carry the force of law under Turkey’s state of emergency regulations, meaning that they do not come under parliamentary oversight; the judiciary has voluntarily abdicated responsibility.

“The head of Turkey’s top court said earlier this year that the court has no authority to rule on the legality of emergency measures,” Bloomberg said.

Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesperson Mahir Ünal, in a statement today, clarified that the decree refers solely to the day of the attempted coup and the following morning - July 15 and July 16, 2016.

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