Reactions to Hrant Dink Killing

PressNow and Caucasus Media Institute condemn the killing of Turkish-Armenian writer Hrant Dink in seperate statements. Both organizations voice hopes for changes in Turkish penal system and safe and free discussion on the Armenian genocide issues.

Amsterdam

Netherlands based independent media and freedom of expression support organization Press Now stated that it's "shocked" by the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink

"It is very concerning that somebody who has consistently pleaded for tolerance and freedom of expression has become of victim of such brutal violence" said Wilco de Jonge, director of PressNow.

"It is to be feared that after the prosecutions under article 301 the murder will further discourage public debate in Turkey about the Armenian question.

In addition to strongly condemning the murder on Hrant Dink and arresting the culprit, the Turkish authorities should now also take swift action in revising the criminal code and thereby create an open climate in which journalists and intellectuals feel free to write about issues of great importance for the Turkish society, such as the Armenian genocide".

CMI reaction

Yerevan based Caucasus Media Institute also joined these remarks by a statement.

"We are confident that one day the main goals that Hrant Dink pursued all his life will be achieved. Then we shall see the rise of European values in Turkish political life, an open discussion and recognition of the darkest pages of Turkish history, and a neighborly relationship between Turkish and Armenian nations and governments.

But now that Hrant Dink is no more, it will be much more difficult to bring these visions to life", it said.

Hrant Dink was gunned down in front of the offices of his bilingual newspaper Agos, on January 19 in Istanbul. (EÜ)