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.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi first declared the state of emergency April 10, 2017, for three months, following two April 9 terrorist attacks targeting churches in Tanta and Alexandria. The attacks killed 44 people and wounded dozens.

Under the decree, the armed forces and police must take measures to confront terrorism and its funding sources, and maintain security throughout the country. Anyone who disobeys the order's provisions can be imprisoned. Each time the government imposes a state of emergency, it renews its commitment to using exceptional measures only to the extent necessary to preserve national security and not to infringe on public freedoms.