CONGRESSMAN SHERMAN CO-SPONSORS HRANT DINK BILL
armradio.am
14.05.2008 10:41
Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) is now a sponsor of House Resolution
102 (H.Res.102), which honors the life and legacy of Turkish-Armenian
journalist Hrant Dink. The Assembly-backed bill, introduced in January
2007 by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), condemns Dink’s murder,
honors his legacy and calls on Turkey to take appropriate action to
protect freedom of speech by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish
Penal Code, the Armenian Assembly of America informs.
Hrant Dink, a citizen of Turkey and outspoken defender of free speech
and democratic reform, was brutally murdered in broad daylight, in
front of his newspaper office in Istanbul, Turkey. Agos, a paper he
founded in 1996, is the only bilingual circulation in Turkey today,
published in both Armenian and Turkish. In discussions with the
Assembly, Sherman immediately recognized the importance of H.Res.102
and quickly responded that he would join his colleagues to support
this important measure.
"I am proud to cosponsor this important Human Rights legislation,"
Sherman told the Assembly. "It is important that the individuals behind
Hrant Dink’s brutal murder are brought to justice. We must show the
world that Hrant Dink did not die in vain." Sherman’s addition brings
the total co-sponsorship to 61.
"The Assembly welcomes Congressman Sherman’s strong support of the
Hrant Dink bill and his unwavering commitment of issues important to
Armenia and Armenian-Americans alike," said Peter Kezirian, Assembly
Board Member. "Turkey cannot have it both ways," added Kezirian. "On
the one hand, the Government of Turkey calls for dialogue, while at
the same time, they prosecute the very people that are willing to
advocate and engage in these discussions, thus creating and fostering
an atmosphere of intolerance.
"Sherman also supports U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and
is a cosponsor of House Resolution 106. He is an active member of the
Armenian Caucus and serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Committee on Financial Services and Judiciary Committee.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
