UN Expert on Freedom of Expression Deplores Murder of Turkish Editor

United Nations
Jan 24 2007

An independent United Nations expert on freedom of opinion has added
his voice to the chorus of condemnation over the murder of the editor
of the Turkish Armenian-language weekly Agos, Hrant Dink, known for
his critical work on a specific period of the history of Turkey.

"The exercise of freedom of speech should always be
guaranteed for the consideration of historical events,"
the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection
of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ambeyi Ligabo,
<" ricane.nsf/view01/7DACE63E3C15EA12C125726D002F55D0 ?opendocument">said
in a statement.

"Most unfortunately, extreme polarization of views, in conjunction
with a perverted sense of national identity, has again inspired
the accomplishment of an ominous act, which has curtailed the
practicability of debating, in a tolerant and open manner, a subject
of wide general interest," he added.

He stressed that safety of media workers remains one of the core issues
to ensure the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression,
a key component of all democratic societies.

"Governments and state institutions have the primary responsibility
of ensuring the safety and security of citizens, including journalists
and other media professionals," he said, adding that he was encouraged
by the prompt reaction of the Government of Turkey in investigating
"this heinous crime."

Special Rapporteurs are unpaid and serve
in a personal capacity, reporting to the UN
<" rcouncil">Human Rights Council.

Source: United Nations