HDP requests parliamentary inquiry into the killing of Hrant Dink

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The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has requested a parliamentary inquiry into the killing of journalist Hrant Dink, who was assassinated in İstanbul 15 years ago today.

"It is unacceptable that the murder is left in the dark," HDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Chairs Saruhan Oluç and Meral Danış-Beştaş said.

"Hrant Dink, who struggled for the peaceful coexistence of the peoples of Turkey throughout his life, was murdered in an organized killing on January 19, 2007. Even though fifteen years have passed since the murder, those who ordered 'Kill' were not held accountable.

"For years at Agos [newspaper], Dink had reported and written on the calamities that the Armenian people experienced, how these calamities should be faced and how a just future can be established.

CLICK - 'Hrant Dink murder case still continues; not only at court, but also in consciences'

"Hrant Dink was breaking the mold of the Armenian policies that have been continuing for a hundred years with his authenticity and cogency.

"After a report published in Agos on February 6, 2004, about 'Sabiha Gökçen [the first woman pilot of Turkey] was an Armenian orphan,' the General Staff made a statement targeting Dink. In the following period, Dink was summoned to the İstanbul Governor's Office and was threatened by MİT [National Intelligence Agency] officials.

"After the General Staff's statement, Hrant Dink was made a target by the dark powers in the state in an organized manner. A case was filed against Dink on April 16, 2005, for 'insulting Turkishness' (TCK 301). The verdict of conviction was upheld by the Court of Cassation despite an expert report and the objection of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office of the Court of Cassation. News containing hate speech exposed Hrant Dink to character assassinations before the murder.

CLICK - 'We are still waiting for justice to be done for Hrant Dink'

"Hrant Dink was murdered by a triggerman on January 19, 2007, within the information and guidance of all the intelligence and security unites of the state. The demand of justice of hundreds of thousands of citizens who came together at Hrant Dink's funeral has continued in the strongest way until today, something that hasn't happened for other intellectuals murdered in Turkey.

"The legal process regarding the Hrant Dink murder started with the case opened on April 20, 2007; the verdict was pronounced at the 131st hearing, which took place on March 26, 2021. The judicial process in the murder case did not function in a way that would reveal darkness that took Dink from us and provide justice.

"With political calculations, first those who were called 'Ergenekonists,' and then those who were called 'FETÖists' were said to be responsible. The perpetrators of the Hrant Dink murder was protected by the political will and were not brought to justice. Those who were brought before the court were not tried effectively.

"It is unacceptable to leave the Hrant Dink murder in the dark. [The Parliament] must take responsibility for clarifying the murder of Hrant Dink, clearing the dark circles within the state, and confronting the 'darkness that creates a murderer from a baby.' To this end, we demand that a Parliamentary Investigation be opened on the murder of Hrant Dink." (HA/VK)