STATEMENT

For immediate release - 19 January 2007

ARTICLE 19 Statement on the Killing of Turkish-Armenian Journalist Hrat Dink

ARTICLE 19- Global Campaign for Free Expression expresses its deep shock and sadness over the killing of Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink. A Turkish citizen of Armenian descent, Mr Dink was the editor of the bilingual Armenian –Turkish weekly Agos and one of the most profound commentators on Armenian – Turkish relations and the life of Armenian community in Turkey. Mr Dink was one of the most outspoken critics of Turkey’s actions between 1915 to 1923 when hundreds of thousands of Turkey's Armenian population were killed or driven out of the country. Increasingly, these events are being referred to as the Armenian genocide by a range of international and state actors.

Mr Dink had received several threats for his public statements and his writing on this topic and was regarded as a ‘traitor’ by extreme nationalist groups within Turkey.

“Today is a sad day for human rights and freedom of expression in Turkey and elsewhere in the world. ARTICLE 19 is profoundly shocked by the silencing of such a critical voice for Turkey’s political and cultural life. The Turkish authorities must do everything in their power to investigate and prosecute those responsible at all levels.” says Dr. Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 executive director.

Dr Callamard adds: “The Turkish authorities must also take a very hard look at their own role: Their failure to repel Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, the continuing use of this Article and other provisions to prosecute writers, journalists and others that dare speak out on taboo topics, and the authorities' public criticism of these voices: all of these contribute to creating an environment that legitimises attacks on freedom of expression, including attacks of a most violent and deadly nature.”

The events of 1915-1923 remains one of the most forbidden subjects in Turkey and a number of journalists, academicians and writers have been on trial, charged with violating Article 301 of the Penal Code which prohibits a range of criticisms. In October 2005 Mr. Dink was convicted of contravening Article 301 and received a six-month suspended sentence for "insulting the Turkish identity".

ARTICLE 19 calls upon the Turkish authorities to:

- Take all measures necessary to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the murder of Mr Dink

- Take all measures necessary to protect members of its population against acts of violence, threats, intimidation, perpetrated by non-state actors: provision of an environment where free and open discussion over difficult issues is a positive obligation of the state.

- Repeal Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, along with all other provisions that can be used to suppress the rights as enshrined under Article 19 of the ICCPR and Article 10 of the ECHR, as a demonstration that it will not tolerate attacks against freedom of expression.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For further information, contact Anoush Begoyan, anoushb@article19.org
 

ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works around the world to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees free speech.

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