Activists protest Armenian-born soldier's killer release before trialSeptember 6, 2012 - 15:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Human rights activists spearheaded by the Nor Zartonk Initiative gathered in Istanbul's Taksim Square to protest the release of Kıvanç Ağaoğlu pending trial for the killing of Armenian-born soldier Sevag Balıkçı with only days left before the deliverance of the final verdict in the Martial Court of the Diyarbakır Second Air Force Command on Sept 7, Bianet reports. The demonstrators commemorated Balıkçı who died after private Kıvanç Ağaoğlu fired his rifle while they were both performing their mandatory military service on April 24, 2011. Sevag's family also attended the demonstration along with anti-war and human rights activists. The protesters chanted slogans in Turkish, Armenian and Kurdish throughout the entire march. "We are all Sevag, we are all Armenians," "The murderous state will be called to account," "Do not enlist in the military, do no spill a brother's blood," "Sevag, we will not forget you," "Never to kill or die, never to become anyone's soldier," "Long live the brotherhood of peoples," the demonstrators shouted. The attendants also highlighted the fact that Balıkçı's death coincided with the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and rebuffed claims that the killing was accidental. The Nor Zartok Initiative then read a press statement before the Galatasaray High School, adding that they were also going to make another press declaration before the courtroom on Sept 7: "It was said that Balıkçı had died accidentally due to a bullet fired from Ağaoğlu's weapon while he was performing his mandatory military service on April 24, 2011, the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Being an Armenian once more proved to be costly, and racism snatched him away from us." Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |