The trial related to the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink continued before the Besiktas (Istanbul) 14th High Criminal Court on Tuesday, January 10.

Suspect Yasin Hayal requested to speak while the lawyers were holding their final speeches, claiming to have been attacked and threatened by prison guards.

"While the press is here I want the whole world to know that the Turkish state benefited from my poverty and my inexperience. And now they are trying to eliminate me. Please note down this date, I am starting a revolt," Hayal stated.

The next hearing is scheduled for January 17. "All defence lawyers should be present at January 17 hearing. I want to give a decision," Bianet quoted Court President Rustem Eryilmaz as saying.

Dink was gunned down on January 17, 2007 in front of his office at the Armenian Agos newspaper in Sisli (Istanbul).