AZG Armenian Daily #010, 20/01/2007
SCHIFF CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF JOURNALIST, HRANT DINK, IN TURKEY AND
MOURNS HIS LOSS
Schiff drafting letter to Turkish Prime Minister calling for a
complete investigation
Washington, D.C. – Representative Adam Schiff today mourned the loss
of one of Turkey’s most prominent Armenian journalists, who was shot
to death outside his newspaper’s office in Istanbul. Hrant Dink was a
vocal critic of the Turkish government and a leading voice in calling
for Armenian Genocide recognition. In 2003, on a trip to Turkey,
Rep. Schiff met with Mr. Dink to discuss his efforts on Genocide
recognition and press freedom issues.
"From the moment I met Mr. Dink, I could tell that he was an
incredibly courageous man who cared deeply about history and freedom
of the press," Schiff said. "His death is a great loss for all those
who cherish free speech, and my thoughts and prayers are with his
family at this very difficult time."
Rep. Schiff is drafting a letter to the Turkish Prime Minister this
morning calling on him to investigate Mr. Dink’s murder and to ensure
that this crime is solved and that those responsible are brought to
justice.
"The silencing of such a prominent and outspoken voice is not only a
personal tragedy; it is also a tragedy for those who believe in a free
and unfettered press, and for those who are committed to a thoughtful
examination of the past," Schiff wrote in the letter. "Hrant Dink had
the courage to confront the facts of the Armenian Genocide, and that
courage may have cost him his life."
Recently, Mr. Dink was featured in a documentary film "Screamers,"
which raises awareness of the Armenian Genocide and calls for its
recognition. Schiff also appeared in the film. In October 2005,
Mr. Dink was found guilty for the crime of "insulting Turkishness" and
was given a six-month suspended sentence after writing about the
Armenian Genocide. In 2006, Mr. Dink was awarded the Norwegian
Bjornson prize by the Bjornson Academy, which was established to
protect freedom of expression.
Rep. Schiff, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,
represents the largest constituency of Armenians outside of
Armenia. In 2005, Rep. Schiff authored legislation that passed the
House International Relations Committee that recognized the Armenian
Genocide. However, the bill did not receive a vote on the House
Floor, and Rep. Schiff plans to reintroduce similar legislation this
year.
Rep. Schiff also co-chairs the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the
Press which aims to support freedom of the press around the world and
draw attention to and condemn media censorship and the persecution of
journalists.
Rep. Schiff was recently appointed to serve on the House
Appropriations Committee in the 110th Congress and is a member of its
State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee and the
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. He
also serves on the House Judiciary Committee. He represents
California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the
communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San
Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South
Pasadena and Temple City.
Sean Oblack, Press Secretary, Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29),
202-226-8348 direct, 202-225-3278 cell