Commemoration in Toronto of Hrant Dink’s Assassination

 

By Dikran Abrahamian BA, MD January 19, 2007

 

 

 

By Dikran Abrahamian BA, MD January 19, 2007

 

 

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.