Orhan Pamuk Trial Starts in Istanbul

PanARMENIAN.Net - The trial of well-known Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk is starting in Istanbul today. He is accused of "outraging the Turkish nation and Turkish republic." To remind, in February 2005 during an interview with a Swiss newspaper Pamuk stated that 30 thousand Kurds and 1 million of Armenians were killed in Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century. "The court examination of Orhan Pamuk's case is a litmus paper, which will show Turkey's adherence to freedom of speech. Turkey should reconsider the arrests and legal proceedings against people, who freely express their opinion," EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn stated. "This problem is not the problem of journalists and writers. This is Turkey's problem as well and it is important for Turkey to resolve it within the shortest terms," he added. The writer, who is famous in Turkey and beyond its borders and was nominated for Nobel Prize, stated lately "he doesn't abandon his position and defends each word he uttered." "The tragic events in Ottoman Empire is not only Armenians' pain and everyone should say what he thinks. The killing of 1 million of Armenians and 30 thousand of Kurds is the issue we do not speak much about in Turkey. However we should make it the subject of open discussions," Orhan Pamuk stated. This week in an interview with New-York daily Pamuk voiced hope that the court examination will not result in imprisonment. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan shares his opinion. When in Australia last week he said, "It would be good if the court acquitted Pamuk." "Not Pamuk but Turkey will stand trial on December 16," Olli Rehn stated yesterday.