Demonstration to be held in Istanbul
Hrant Dink´s family and thousands of Agos Weekly supporters came out to Taksim Square in Istanbul to pay tribute to the Armenian journalist murdered this day in 2007, reports Radio Liberty.
This year´s commemorative action will be different from the rest due to the verdict that the court announced two days ago that filled the Turkish society and political figures with indignation. Turkish social and political figures, even many officials underestimate the verdict since it only identified the direct culprits, not the organizers.
Yasin Hayal was sentenced to life in prison, and the court sentenced Erhan Tunjel, who had provoked Ogyun Samast to 10.5 years in prison.
On Wednesday, President of Turkey Abdullah Gul touched upon the issue and declared: "I see the social discontent. Nevertheless, as far as I understand, the verdict will be appealed. Let's wait for the process to continue and see the final verdict."
According to Minister of Culture of Turkey Ertughrul Gyuna, the court ruling was far from what the society expected. "It is a pain to see the court claim that there are no organizers behind the murder. People believe Dink's murder was a very well-organized act," the Turkish minister said.
The Turkish opposition blames influential nationalists and the incumbent government for the verdict.
Deputy leader of the leading "Popular Republic" opposition party Sezgin Tanrikulu yesterday said the following during a press conference: "The old and new states did everything possible to make sure the organizers aren't revealed. The "Justice and Development" Party is highly responsible for this failure. A group of youth from Trabizon couldn't suddenly decide to commit murder."
