“1.5 mln +1” Armenian. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink. Dink was shot dead by a young Turkish ultranationalist outside the office of the Agos newspaper, where he was editor-in-chief.
Hrant Dink, who was respected inside and outside Turkey, was emphasizing the importance of Turkey’s democratization, freedom of speech in the country, protection of human and minority rights. He was a strong believer that the Armenian community would once be able to live in Turkey freely and without any pressure. Today the staff of the “Agos” newspaper he established strives to accomplish the work Dink left unfinished.
Looking back at the changes that have taken place in Turkey over the past 10 years, Agos editor-in-chief Yetvart Danzikyan says Turkey has maintained its policy with some quasi changes. The Armenian Cause remains a painful issue in Turkey. A vivid evidence is the suspension of MP Garo Paylan from Parliament for his “genocide” comments.
“Six or seven years after Dink’s assassination, the Turkish society was speaking more about the Armenian Cause. Today we keep trying to move along the path we have chosen, but the Turkish policy has changed, the word ‘genocide’ has started to trouble them,” Yetvart Danzikyan said in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia.
The editor ensures that despite the obstacles and difficulties, they’re trying to build upon Dink’slegacy and raise awareness about the Armenian Cause. “Agos” is committed to its path and is still considered the microphone of Istanbul Armenians. Unfortunately, Hrant paid with his life for this,” he said.
Yetvart Danzikyan does not see perspectives for any melting in the Armenian-Turkish relations, as “little brother Azerbaijan” plays a role here.
Although his assassin, just 17 at the time, was rapidly arrested and sentenced, the trial into the killing still grinds on with Dink’s supporters losing confidence on its ability to shed light on the plot.
“The disclosure of Hrant Dink’s murder will be a confession on the part of the Turkish authorities,” expert of regional studies Sargis Hatspanyan said.
“The trial is in process, but the past ten years have shown that Turkey has no desire to solve the crime,” he said.
