Journalist Hrant Dink, well known for his efforts for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians, was commemorated on the 18th anniversary of his assassination in Istanbul.
Armenian journalist and Agos newspaper editor Hrant Dink, who was murdered in Istanbul on 19 January 2007, was commemorated by masses in front of the Agos newspaper, where his former office was located.
A banner with Hrant Dink's photograph and the words “Memory, truth, life, longing” was hung on the building.
A letter from Çiğdem Mater, who was among the Gezi protesters and is currently imprisoned in Bakırköy Women's Closed Prison, was read during the commemoration.
“The tens of thousands who filled the streets of Istanbul when Hrant Dink was murdered had different reasons, but all of them recognised the Armenian identity in violation of an unspoken contract,” Çiğdem Mater said and added, “We are stubbornly here.”
A letter sent by Osman Kavala, who is held in Marmara Closed Prison, was also read to the crowd.
Kavala reiterated his demand for justice for Hrant Dink and for everyone, saying, “We are voicing the slogan ‘Justice for everyone’ in the strongest way. I feel myself there where Hrant was shot. I feel next to Hrant. I demand justice for Hrant, and for all citizens.”
Writer Takuhi Tomasyan gave a speech on behalf of Hrant's friends and said, “18 years later, we still curse the hands that killed you.”
Stating that Hrant Dink's only “crime was his love for humanity, his commitment to democracy and his defense of peace”, Tomasyan expressed his belief that the peace and freedom Dink dreamed of would one day be realized. He commended the Armenian journalist’s struggle and passion for human rights.
The commemoration ended after the speeches.
