Senator Biden introduces resolution condemning Hrant Dink’s murder

ArmRadio.am
02.02.2007 10:08

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden,
Jr. (D-DE) introduced legislation condemning the assassination of
Hrant Dink and honoring his legacy of tolerance and peaceful change.

"We commend Senator Biden for spearheading this important
legislation," said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The atmosphere
that led to this killing must be changed, starting with the repeal of
Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. As a moral leader, America must
ensure that minority populations in Turkey are afforded every
protection."

Dink, who worked hard to foster dialogue and understanding between
Armenians and Turks, was gunned down outside his newspaper office on
January 19 in Istanbul, Turkey. An outspoken advocate for democratic
reform, Dink stood trial several times for his public comments on the
genocide and was convicted in October 2005 for "insulting Turkishness"
under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. He received a six-month
suspended sentence and was set to appear in court again in March 2007
for affirming the Armenian Genocide. "Hrant Dink was a leading voice
in Turkey’s Armenian community and an eloquent advocate for human
rights, press freedom, and democracy," Senator Biden told the
Assembly. "His assassination was an outrage and a tragedy. Hrant’s
legacy deserves the Senate’s respect. His murder demands our action."

The Senate bill is similar to H. Res. 102, which was introduced by
Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) on January 29 with the support of
the Armenian Assembly. The Biden resolution condemns Dink’s
assassination and supports Turkey’s pledge to conduct an exhaustive
investigation into his killing. Furthermore, the legislation urges
Turkey to take appropriate action to protect freedom of speech in
Turkey by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which
criminalizes public discussion on the Armenian Genocide. The
resolution also calls on Turkey to reestablish full diplomatic,
political and economic relations with Armenia.