Stephen Lendman

Before Sunday’s constitutional referendum, Erdogan repudiated democracy, freedom and rule of law principles, governing as a tinpot despot.

Manipulated results officially empowered his iron-fisted rule. Criticism of his rogue regime is considered treason.

Opponents are targeted for elimination. He’s at war with Kurds domestically, in Iraq and Syria. Press and academic freedom are considered heresy. He’s ruthless and unforgiving, a regional menace, Turkey a launching pad and safe haven for ISIS and other terrorist groups, providing them weapons and other material support, treating their wounded, pretending to oppose the scourge he backs, wanting northern Syria annexed, Assad ousted.

On Tuesday, Turkey’s parliament he controls extended emergency rule, declared last July following a failed military coup.

It permits virtually any measures Erdogan wishes to impose, including media control, banning public demonstrations, purging, imprisoning or otherwise eliminating opponents and critics, along with usurping judicial authority.

Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy leader Bulent Tezcan wants the referendum annulled, calling it illegitimate because of serious irregularities - during the campaign, voting and counting process.

Fraud let Erdogan triumph. CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said Turkey’s YSK election watchdog illegally “manipulat(ed) the referendum results,” rendering them invalid.

Thousands defied emergency rule, protesting in Istanbul, Ankara, and other Turkish cities, angered over manipulated referendum results.

An Istanbul demonstrator said “(w)e are against fraud, injustice and stolen votes.” Others chanted: “Thief, murderer Erdogan. We will not make you president. We are shoulder to shoulder against fascism.”

Signs read: “The ‘No’ is not finished.” “ ‘No’ has won.” In homes along the Istanbul protest route, people banged pots and pans with kitchen utensils from windows, showing solidarity with street activists.

Police largely showed restraint, unlikely ahead if protests continue. A White House statement “congratulated (Erdogan) on (his) referendum victory.” Moscow issued a similar statement.

Millions of Turks oppose his illegitimate power-grab - imposing greater tyrannical rule than already.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at http://www.sjlendman.blogspot.com.

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.