Turkey's prime minister says a state of emergency that was imposed following the failed coup attempt in July will be extended "for a bit longer."

Turkey declared the state of emergency to facilitate its crackdown on the network of followers of US-based Muslim Cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of orchestrating the July 15 failed attempt. But critics say the government has used the emergency powers to crack down on all government critics, ABC News reported on Thursday.

The term of the emergency powers was due to expire next month.

Binali Yildirim told a group of foreign journalists: "the state of emergency will continue for a bit longer."

Yildirim said the state of emergency was declared to oust Gulen's followers from "all parts of the state administration and state agencies.

He insisted: "fundamental rights and freedoms were not restricted in any way".

Source: MENA