49 Congressmen cosponsor resolution condemning Hrant Dink murder

PanARMENIAN.Net - A congressional resolution condemning the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink (H. Res. 102) continues to gain strength, as five House Members added their support to the measure in recent days, reported the Armenian Assembly of America.



Within the course of a week, Congressmen Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Ed Royce (R-CA), and Paul Ryan (R-WI) joined the growing list of cosponsors, bringing the total number of supporters to 49.



"Hrant Dink was a man who called for tolerance, peaceful dialogue, and greater civil rights for all Turkish citizens. He was a fierce defender of freedom and believed all people have equal rights under the law," said Crowley, who introduced H. Res. 102 shortly after Dink's murder. "I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the memory of Hrant Dink and continue to urge the repeal of article 301."



"In order to uphold our democratic values, it is imperative that America demonstrates its commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms to the rest of the world," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Article 301 is part and parcel with Turkey's ongoing campaign to deny the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide. We will continue to push for passage of H. Res. 102."