ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
Mayor
City of Los Angeles
200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-0600

PRESS RELEASE
January 19, 2007

Contact: Matt Szabo
213-978-0741
matt.szabo@lacity.org

STATEMENT OF MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA ON THE ASSASSINATION OF HRANT DINK

Los Angeles – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa made the following statement
today regarding the assassination of Hrant Dink:

"The People of Los Angeles stand in solidarity today with people
around the world in mourning the death of Hrant Dink, the editor of
Agos Armenian Daily newspaper in Turkey. Our thoughts and prayers go
out to Mr. Dink’s family as they mourn the loss of a husband and
father whose life was tragically and barbarically cut short.

"The assassination of Mr. Dink is not only an attack on the Armenian
community of Turkey; it is an assault on freedom of speech, truth, and
justice everywhere. Mr. Dink spoke frankly and courageously about the
history of the Armenian Genocide, and he stood up unflinchingly for
the best traditions of his profession. His passion and bravery stand
as challenge to us all.

"We join with the international community in condemning this brutal
attack, and we hope that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to
justice swiftly and fairly."