Switzerland’s decision compared to recent attempt to destroy Pamuk books
source: Hurriyet
Journal of Turkish Weekly
May 3 2005
The warrant for arrest issued in the name of the President of the
Turkish History Organization, Professor Halacoglu, following his
public rejection of Armenian genocide claims, has brought forward a
response from Turkish and Armenian historians and journalists.
A brief sampling is as follows:
An attempt at demogoguery
Professor Mete Tuncay, Bilgi University: I find it absolute
demogoguery when governments or parliaments put out laws on this type
of subject. Even if I don’t agree with Professor Halacoglue’s
thoughts on the matter, he must be allowed to express them. There
seems to be no difference between the ruling on Professor Halacoglu,
and the recent decision by a local governor in Turkey to ban Orhan
Pamuk’s books. (Pamuk’s books were roundly condemned and at one point
there was an attempt to destroy them in Isparta due to the author’s
support of Armenian genocide claims.)
I deplore the decision
Hrant Dink, Agos (Armenian) newspaper: I deplore the decision. I
think this kind of decision is anathema to human rights, and I stand
by not only Professor Halcoglu, but everyone else who is the victim
of this sort of trampling on freedom of expression and thought.
It has no meaning
Etienne Machupian, journalist: I found this decision to have no
meaning. This sort of decision does nothing but politicize the issue.
Anyway, from an historical perspective, these sort of decisions
aren’t even permanent. I do not agree with any of Professor
Halacoglu’s ideas, but I will always defend his right to express
them.