A big problem in the Turkish referendum

Main opposition social democratic Republican People's Party (CHP) head Kemal Kılılçdaroğlu on Jan. 24 paid a visit to the monument in memory of journalist Uğur Mumcu on the 24th anniversary of the latter's assassination. The murder still remains unsolved, though it had been claimed by two separate organizations: The Islamic Movement and Kurdish Hezbollah. 

After paying silent homage together with Mumcu's family members, laying red carnations and placing candles, Kılıçdaroğlu was about to get into his car when a reporter asked him to comment on a remark delivered earlier by government spokesman and Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş.

"Suicide bombings and assassinations may continue," Kurtulmuş had told state-run Anadolu Agency in an interview with its editorial board broadcast live by news stations. "I believe the referendum process is a motivator for [terror organizations]. They [believe that they] can create an atmosphere of fear in Turkey by using terrorist organizations to block the 'yes' vote in the referendum … We are taking all kinds of measures against [terrorism], and after a big 'yes' vote in the referendum, the voice of terror will be cut off."

He was talking about the referendum due to be held in Turkey in approximately two months on whether to shift to an executive presidential system. The referendum follows fierce debates in parliament.

When asked about Kurtulmuş's remarks, Kılıçdaroğlu turned around and said the following: "[His words] effectively mean 'we are feeding terror, we overlook terrorist organizations and people are getting slaughtered. But if you choose us and help bring about a presidential regime, a one-man regime, terrorism will stop. That is a very unfortunate confession. I am sad and embarrassed to...