Turkey to hold referendum to amend constitution
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Turkey will hold a referendum on September 12 about controversial constitutional amendments that would empower civilian courts to prosecute military commanders and give parliament a say in appointing judges.
The opposition, which favors a "no" vote, claims the proposed changes are designed to increase the Islamic-rooted government's sway over the largely secular judiciary. Thursday's decision by Turkey's election board to set the referendum date came a day after the president decided to submit the proposals to a referendum. (Reuters)
