Tunisian President Beji
Caid Essebsi on Saturday declared a 30-day state of emergency, saying another
attack such as last week's terrorist massacre at a beach hotel would
"cause the country to collapse."
The declaration gives
the military and police more authority to combat terrorism and places
restrictions on such rights as public assembly. Essebsi pledged to respect
freedom of expression.
In a televised address
to the nation, the President mentioned the terror group ISIS by name and
declared Tunisia at war with extremism.
"Tunisia faces a
very serious danger and it should take any possible measures to maintain
security and safety," he said.
The decision comes in
response to the June 26 attack
in which a gunman opened fire at the beachfront Hotel Riu
Imperial Marhaba in the coastal city of Sousse. At least 38 more were killed in
the attack, for which ISIS has claimed responsibility.
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