TODAY.AZ / Politics

OSCE Representative appalled by murder of Turkish journalist Hrant Dink

19 January 2007 [23:45] - TODAY.AZ
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, expressed profound shock today over the murder of the well-known Turkish journalist Hrant Dink.

"I condemn the murder of Hrant Dink, one of Turkey's outstanding commentators on Armenian-community related affairs," said Haraszti. "This is a cowardly act resulting in tragic loss."

According to reports, Hrant Dink, editor of the Armenian-Turkish language weekly Agos Magazine, was shot dead in front of the Istanbul offices of his newspaper.

In October 2005, Dink received a six-month suspended sentence on charges of "insult to the Turkish identity", according to article 301 of the Penal Code.

"Those who commit violence against journalists cannot be allowed to do so with impunity. Therefore, I call upon the Turkish authorities to track down those responsible as quickly as possible. It is a basic OSCE principle that acts of violence and intimidation must be thoroughly investigated based on the rule of law. This is also a vital element contributing to a climate genuinely allowing for freedom of expression and discussion within a society," said Miklos Haraszti.

The OSCE Representative has asked the Turkish authorities to remove all criminal provisions, allowing the prosecution of anyone who expresses opinions that differ from that of state institutions. OSCE

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/35190.html

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