Tert.am
Sept 15 2009

HRANT DINK: IN MEMORIAM
11:31 â~@¢ 15.09.09

Today the world-renowned journalist, publicist, and public figure
Hrant Dink, a Turkish citizen of Armenian descent, would be 55. The
brutal murder perpetrated by a nationalist on January 17, 2007, in
Istanbul, put an end to Dink’s active and productive life, which was
based on a deep belief in his ideology.

After Dink’s death, many in Armenia and in the Diaspora tried
"branding" his character and making it part of their own struggle. Even
nationalist powers whom Dink had no relation at all with participated
in co-opting his struggle. With his ideas and his work, Dink struggled
against both Armenian and Turkish nationalism: he voiced universal
values, freedom of speech and people’s right to chose freely.

Today, it has become clear that the "branding" of Dink’s character
hasn’t take place, and this is comforting in the case of a man who
gave his life for his ideas.

As for residents of Armenia, our society still has a long way to go to
really value and understand Dink’s character. Of paramount importance
is remembering that Dink fell victim not only because he was Armenian,
but because he was struggling against stereotypes created over decades,
advocating for a progressive and free public.