HRANT DINK DOES NOT THINK TURKEY WILL RUSH TO AMEND THE PENAL CODE
Marlena Hovsepyan
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 2 2006
Surprise was awaiting Hrant Dink on his return to Turkey after the
Armenia-Diaspora Third Forum in Armenia: he learned from media that
a new case was launched against him according to Article 301 of the
Penal Code for offending Turkishness. This time the reason was the
interview with "Reauters" agency. To the request to characterize the
events that occurred at the turn of the century, Hrant Dink said,
"How can these be called, if not genocide? The people that lived on
the land for four thousand years does not live there. What is this,
if not genocide?"
In an interview with "Radiolur" Hrant Dink declared he has not
received a notice of appointment so far, and he has no idea hoe the
events will develop this time, but even Turkish intellectuals have
raised noise connected with the new lawsuit.
Recently the European Parliament set as precondition for Turkey’s
accession to the European Union the amendment of the Penal Code.
Certainly, pressures of the international community have certain
influence, but Hrant Dink does not consider that Hrant Dink will rush
to amend the Penal Code.
"I don’t think any change will be implemented in this direction before
the parliamentary elections next year. Xenophobia has proceeded,
and the chauvinists stand against this."
One of these days Turkish TV again referred to the Armenian Genocide
issue. The guest of the NTV Channel Hrant Dink said that inviting the
Armenians of the world to Turkey to discuss the Armenian Genocide is
double-dealing, "You call the Armenians of the world to come to Turkey
to speak about the Genocide. Do you think the Armenians will not use
the word "genocide?" Will you sue them? If you don’t charge them, then
why do you charge me? Is it my fault that I am a citizen of Turkey?"
We can only hope that the Turkish court will not consider these words
offensive for Turkey and will not launch the third case against Dink.