Erdogan referred to the possibility of a referendum on the reintroduction of the death penalty

O President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was first reported today the potential referendum on the reintroduction of the death penalty, a measure that could lead to the freezing of accession negotiations Ankara's European Union.

"I say now: if necessary, we can open the way for a referendum on this issue," said the head of the Turkish state during a speech in Manisa (western).

"What prompts people? If the people say "death penalty", then the discussion will end, "added the Turkish president.
After the failed coup of July 15, the Turkish president reiterated many times that it has approved the reintroduction of the death penalty in the event that the National Assembly vote in favor of such a measure, but it is the first time referred to the possibility of holding a referendum on the issue.

Observers, however, expressed doubts that the statements reflect the person's intentions or whether it is a maneuver ahead of the referendum of 16 April on constitutional review provided for strengthening the powers of the President.

To be able to override the 'yes' in this referendum, where the result appears ambiguous, Recep Tayyip Erdogan needs the votes of the nationalist voters, the majority of which are in favor of restoring the death penalty to punish those who commit crimes "terrorist" nature.