Turkish writer calling to Armenian Genocide recognition stands trial in Ankara

PanARMENIAN.Net - On March 6, Turkish writer Temel Demirer will stand before the Ankara Penal Court N2.



As independent French journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net on January 20, 2007, a day after Hrant Dink's murder Temel Demirer read a declaration to the press in Ankara saying that the journalist was killed only because he was Armenian but also because he dared to speak about the Armenian Genocide.



Addressing a meeting of protest, Temel Demirer said, "We live in a country where murders and silence on the truth are associates. Hrant was assassinated not only because he was Armenian, but because he said that a genocide took place in this country. If intellectual Turks do not commit crimes under article 301, they will be also guilty Hrant's assassination."



"There was a genocide in our history, it is called the Armenian Genocide. At the expense of its life, Hrant made it clear to all of us.



"Those which slaughtered Armenians yesterday attack our Kurdish brothers and sisters today. Those which want fraternity of peoples need to face this history. We must prevent crimes, since what happened to the Armenians may happen to the Kurds. Yes, there was Armenian Genocide in this country.



"We know very well who the perpetrators were! It is not a secret for us. Neither is it a secret for those who supports article 301. We cannot keep silent," the declaration says.



This declaration had been signed by more than 45 Turkish personalities and organizations.