Has Turkey's referendum emboldened hate?
Threats and venomous words against Turkish women have caused an uproar among citizens but haven't drawn much of a reaction from the government.
![TURKEY-POLITICS/PROTESTS Anti-government demonstrators shout slogans during a protest in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul, Turkey, April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Kemal Aslan - RTS12OV4](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/04/RTS12OV4.jpg/RTS12OV4.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=0t6fMYZI)
There is a growing environment of fear, suspicion and anxiety on Turkish streets. Months of acrimonious campaigning ended April 16 with voters narrowly approving constitutional amendments that will greatly expand the presidency's power. Though the campaign is over, it cultivated seeds of ill will that have grown and spread, evoking hateful rhetoric against those who opposed the amendments.
Some strongly pro-government citizens are likening the campaign to war and the election's outcome to the victory of war, and even — incredibly — placing women among the spoils of war.