Anti-tobacco posters, brochures saying ‘no’ to smoking recalled over concerns of ‘confusion’ in referendum

KONYA

An anti-tobacco initiative by the Health Ministry in the Central Anatolian province of Konya has been halted by officials after declaring that the message reading “NO” on pamphlets, brochures and posters to discourage smoking could lead people to vote “no” in an upcoming amendment referendum. 

The brochures, posters and pamphlets for the Konya Public Health Directorate that were distributed across the province were recalled upon an order after the message to encourage smokers to say “no” to a list of health problems associated with tobacco consumption was adjudged to be an indirect message ahead of the referendum. 

In the referendum that is scheduled to take place on April 16, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is promoting a “yes” vote to change the constitution and implement far-reaching political system changes in Turkey that would usher in a presidential system with vastly enhanced powers for the head of state.

Speaking over the recall and the halt in the publishing of the health brochures, posters and pamphlets, AKP Konya Deputy Abdullah Ağralı said the material was printed long ago and that the distribution had been halted so as to avoid causing “confusion.”