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Egypt's extended state of emergency raises eyebrows, questions

Experts examine whether Egypt's repeated renewal of a state of emergency is legal, or even necessary.

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Egyptian army soldiers stand guard during a New Year's Eve Mass at Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 31, 2017. — REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

CAIRO — Egypt has extended its state of emergency for the fourth time, sparking controversy in political and legal circles about the security reasons behind this step and whether the decision is constitutional.

The constitution clearly states that a state of emergency can last a maximum of three months, with one three-month extension. Egypt has been living under a state of emergency for 12 months, and now has at least three more months to go.

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