Artists lend full support for amendments to coup Constitution

Actress Lale Mansur, who is well known for her liberal and pro-democracy stance, clearly stated that her vote will be “yes” as she has supported the reform process from the very beginning.

On Sept. 12 the nation will vote on a number of constitutional changes approved by Parliament in May. Among other things, the reform package includes changes to the structure of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK). Furthermore, the package repeals Article 15 of the Constitution, which gives immunity to the generals responsible for the Sept. 12, 1980 coup.

Ballerina Zeynep Tanbay said the package is so significant that it cannot be ignored. “Constitutional reform which aims to amend the Sept. 12 military Constitution is being carried out. In fact, this Constitution, which is our inheritance from the Sept. 12 coup, should be thrown out completely. But this step is also very important by itself. That’s why I have taken my place among those who say ‘It is not enough but yes’,” she said.

Theater actor Nedim Saban is also among those who will vote in favor of the package. “I find the Sept. 12 Constitution fascist. That’s why I will vote yes,” he said. The reform package approved by Parliament bears the label of the most comprehensive package proposed so far to challenge the current 1982 Constitution, which was drafted by the Sept. 12 coup leaders. According to actor and director Kenan Işık, the package will improve Turkish democracy. “I have always supported pro-democracy actions. This package also brings changes in favor of democracy. I wish the Constitution could be totally replaced by a new one. Of course I support these changes and I say ‘yes’ to them,” he said.

Wife of Kurdish singer: Referendum will show who is sovereign in country

Gülten Kaya, the wife of well-known Kurdish artist Ahmet Kaya, said the upcoming referendum will make clear who “sovereignty unconditionally belongs to.”

Kaya was referring to a proverb by the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, that “sovereignty unconditionally rests with the people.” Noting that Turkey has been passing through a period of transition, Kaya said this process will shake the status quo. Noting that the Constitutional Court’s partial annulment of the package has once again harmed the respectability of the top court, Kaya said: “Although those who are organized within the judicial bureaucracy and do not want a change in the definition of sovereignty are trying to block the dynamics of this transition process, this referendum will enable us to see who the unconditional holder of sovereignty is. The picture of those who see themselves as the actual owners of the country and that of the actual owners will become clearer.”

Turkish folk music singer Seher Dilovan does not find the package sufficient but she said it would be wrong to say “no” to the changes. “A constitution which was drafted during a period of martial law and led to the suffering of thousands should be totally changed. But if this is not possible now, I cannot support saying ‘no’ to partial changes,” she said.

Manço’s family objects to MHP  using musician’s song in ‘no’ campaign

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has kicked off a “no” campaign for the referendum, is facing objections from the family of late musician Barış Manço after it began using the musician’s famous song “Hayır” (No) in its campaign. Manço’s son, Doğukan Manço, told reporters that his father was an apolitical person and called for respect for his father. Manço’s wife, Lale Manço, also said on a television program that the family does not approve of any party using her husband’s songs for political campaigns.

Famous arabesque singer and lyricist Orhan Gencebay also lent his full support to the Manço family, saying the song of an artist cannot be used without his permission. “Since Manço is not alive, his family can make a decision on that,” he said.

A statement from the MHP, however, said the party will continue to use the song, “even if they are forced to pay compensation for it.”