'Journalists are threatened today because justice not served for Hrant Dink for 14 years'

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The Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC) and the Press Council have released statements marking the 14th anniversary of the murder of Hrant Dink.

Dink was shot in the back by an assailant in front of the newspaper's office in Şişli, İstanbul on January 19, 2007.

The assassination came after Dink was convicted of "insulting Turkishness" because of his comments during a TV program.

He founded and ran the weekly Agos newspaper, which was published in both Armenian and Turkish.

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"Hrant Dink, who worked for a long time for the development of unity and friendship of the Turkish and Armenian people, was a value who always demonstrated his belief and love for democracy and human rights," said the TGC.

"The cases filed against those who are responsible for Hrant Dink's death have been continuing for 14 years. It is our greatest wish that these cases be concluded and justice be served

"We hope that our colleagues who defend peace and do people-focused journalism will not suffer such treacherous attacks from now on."

The Press Council also stressed that Dink was "an intellectual who is in love with his country."

"Throughout his life, he struggled for the establishment of peace and fraternity on this land, the public's right to information and freedom of expression and peace.

"In an assassination carried out by groups that are the enemies of peace and freedoms, he was brutally murdered by bullets that came out of an assassin's weapon.

"Unfortunately, the killing of Hrant Dink has not been completely solved in 14 years, just as other assassinations against journalists and intellectuals in Turkey's near history.

"Those who planned the murder behind the scenes have not been fully revealed and held to account. For this reason, journalists are being threatened and targeted today.

"Journalists are attacked with sticks and weapons in the middle of big cities in broad daylight, they are injured and suffer attempts against their lives.

"Assailants are either cannot be found or those who are caught are released from security directorates or courthouses on the same day."

The council said the government should shed light on the murder of Hrant Dink and all assassinations of journalists and stop the attacks against journalists. (HA/VK)