ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF CANADA
COMITÉ NATIONAL ARMÉNIEN DU CANADA
3401 Olivar-Asselin
Montréal, Québec
H4J 1L5
Tél. (514) 334-1299 Fax (514) 334-6853
Communiqué de Presse – Press Release
July 21 juillet, 2005
Contacts: Shant Karabajak 514-334-1299
Roupen Kouyoumdjian 514-336-7095
For immediate release:
Pour diffusion immédiate:
Journalist faces three years in Turkish jail
Montreal – State prosecutor has called for a three year prison sentence
for Hrant Dink, the Turkish-Armenian journalist, under article 301
of the penal code, which came into force on 1st of june.
The world press freedom organization said it was concerned about
fuzzy language in the new criminal code that could easily be used
against journalists discussing sensitive topics, such as the Armenian
Genocide or withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus.
Reporters Without Borders criticized the current trial for “insulting
Turkish identity” in discussing the 1915 genocide against Armenians.
“This trial based on a total misunderstanding,” Dink told Reporters
Without Borders. “I never meant to insult Turkish citizen.”
“The Turkish authorities continue their policy of denial of the
Armenian Genocide by adopting new laws to prosecute and punish any
expression of recognition of the historical fact” stated Dr. Girair
Basmadjian of the Armenian National Committee of Canada.
“This despite the fact that Turkey pretends to be ready for open
discussions.”
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress