The Council of Europe Commissioner for human rights Thomas Hammarberg photo: coe.int
Council of Europe Commissioner for human rights Thomas Hammarberg, shocked by the decision of the Court in the case of the murder in 2007, journalist, editor of the Istanbul Armenian newspaper Agos, the Armenian origin Hrant Dink. He said 20 January in Istanbul, according to today’s Zaman.
“I was very surprised by the decision of the Court on Tuesday. I was even more surprised to learn that the Prosecutor and the judge also were unhappy with the result “, said Hammarberg. He also commented on statements made by the judge in this case Rustem Èril′maza, who told the Turkish weekly 19 January that, despite the fact that he himself does not deny the fact well organized killings, for making this decision, the evidence in court was granted.
“Then why did they close the deal? I’m surprised that the judge may so say, and together with this case. He (the judge) could win more time, demanding an explanation, “said Hammarberg. The Commissioner also shared his impressions of the processions in protest against the decision of the Court and in memory of the Dinka, held a day of the fifth anniversary of his death, January 19, in Istanbul. “I was there and saw the demonstration. It was all very impressive and not only because of the number of people, but because most people there were ordinary people, “he said, noting that these demonstrations are” signal “vis-à-vis the authorities of Turkey and clear disagreement with the decision of the Court.
“The verdict in the murder of Hrant Dink is a real test,” said Hammarberg, noting the importance that all implicated in the murder and concealment of persons have been identified and brought to justice. Otherwise the gap between the general public and the Government will continue to grow, he said.
It should be noted that 17 January Istanbul Court issued its verdict on the murder in 2007, journalist, editor of the Istanbul newspaper Agos Armenian origin Hrant Dink, sentencing to life imprisonment Yasin Haâlâ -for incitement to murder, but acquitted 18 other defendants. Previously juvenile killer of journalist Ogün Samast received 22 years and 10 months in prison. But lawyers Dink claimed that he was only a pawn in the hands of influential ultra-nationalist factions. International human rights organization Amnesty International stated that the Turkish authorities had not fully investigated the crime.
MEP, Rapporteur on Turkey Ria Oomen-Ruijten also criticised the Court’s decision, calling it disappointing. “This verdict has clearly shown the need for further judicial reforms in Turkey,” she said. The OSCE Representative on freedom of the press created controversy Mijatović also believes that justice in the Dinka have not yet been done. Also note that 17 and 19 January in Istanbul received thousands of protests against the decision of the Court.
