Commemoration in Toronto of Hrant Dink’s Assassination

 
Latest Victim of Armenian Genocide And Democracy: Hrant Dink
 
By Dikran Abrahamian BA, MD January 19, 2007
 
Hrant Dink is the latest victim of the Armenian Genocide. The atmosphere of hatred, intolerance and deplorable stance of the Turkish establishment regarding Human Rights and Freedom of Speech paved the way to such a tragic end.
 

 
Latest Victim of Armenian Genocide And Democracy: Hrant Dink
 
By Dikran Abrahamian BA, MD January 19, 2007
 
Hrant Dink is the latest victim of the Armenian Genocide. The atmosphere of hatred, intolerance and deplorable stance of the Turkish establishment regarding Human Rights and Freedom of Speech paved the way to such a tragic end.
 

A year ago this writer and some friends were actively involved in collecting signatures for a petition that was being circulated by the Workshop of Armenian and Turkish Scholars. It was sent to the Turkish authorities who would try Hrant Dink for insulting “Turkish identity". Subsequently Orhan Pamuk, Elif Shefak and a host of others would face the same charge.

Since then a warm friendship developed through emails and phone calls. Eventually, we had the opportunity to meet each other at the Armenia/Diaspora Conference this past September. We shared thoughts, and despite differences of opinion we parted with the deep feeling that our friendship would prevail for years to come. Unfortunately, it was short lived and terminated by a fanatic. Hrant Dink was assassinated today.

Personal feelings and emotions aside, Hrant Dink is the latest victim of the Armenian Genocide. The atmosphere of hatred, intolerance and deplorable stance of the Turkish establishment regarding Human Rights and Freedom of Speech paved the way to such a tragic end. Dink, as a tormented and true citizen of the World fought fervently primarily for Democracy in Turkey.

It’s not the first time that a friend is brutally silenced by an assassin. I hear Hrant Dink’s message along others who paid the ultimate price. It’s the message of peace, democracy and respect for Human Rights.

1 comment
  1. Sixth Anniversary of Hrant’s Martyrdom

    Regretfully upon hearing Hrant's assassination some said in hush hush, "Esh nahadag".

    Since his martyrdom hundreds upon hundreds have come out in the open declaring their Armenian heritage and ethnicity in Turkey. Dersimis have created their own assembly and Hamshens in Turkey have become bolder in underlining their Armenian roots.

    Was he an Esh Nahadag?

     
    In a moment of silence let's remember him and honour his heroic deed in life and in death.

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