(IPA/IFEX) – The following is an IPA press release: IPA condemns the killing of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in Istanbul today. Geneva, 19 January 2007 – According to sources in Istanbul, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was the victim of an armed assault. Apparently he was shot dead today by an 18-year-old man in front […]
(IPA/IFEX) – The following is an IPA press release:
IPA condemns the killing of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in Istanbul today.
Geneva, 19 January 2007 – According to sources in Istanbul, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was the victim of an armed assault. Apparently he was shot dead today by an 18-year-old man in front of his newspaper offices, Agos.
Ana Maria Cabanellas, IPA President, declared: “IPA is outraged by what has happened in Istanbul today. We urge the Turkish authorities to lead all the necessary investigations so that those people can be brought to justice who are responsible for this horrible.”
Bjorn Smith-Simonsen, Chairman of the IPA Freedom to Publish committee, paid tribute to the journalist: “IPA has been working for many years with Hrant Dink. He was a free and courageous man; we will miss him and the fight for freedom of expression will miss him.”
Hrant Dink had been condemned under Article 301 of the Turkish penal code for insulting Turkishness. At the time many came to his defence, including EU Commissioner Olli Rehn. Perhaps this sad occasion will serve as a reminder to the Turkish authorities to repeal the divisive and idealogical Article 301 and all other provisions preventing freedom of expression in Turkey.
The assassination of Hrant Dink demands that they finally proceed with the repeal.
