Deputy PM backs freedom of opinion on Turkey referendum

Everyone is free to express their views on the upcoming constitutional referendum in Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Sunday.

In remarks made to CNNTurk, Kurtulmus said he believes it is not right to launch a “lynching campaign” against anyone saying Yes or No in the referendum which is expected to take place in the first half of April this year.

“You cannot say to the people: 'why are you expressing your opinion?'… People who say Yes or No should respect each other,” he said.

A package of 18 constitutional reforms -- passed by the Turkish parliament last weekend -- has sparked a debate on social media, especially among Turkish celebrities.

On Tuesday, Turkey’s well-known figures started a Yes campaign on Twitter to support the constitutional change.

The deputy premier noted: “There is a tendency to launch lynching campaigns very easily,” saying everyone should feel comfortable when sharing their opinions.

“So, in fact, it's a very pleasant and creative campaign.”