Canadian politician commemorates Hrant Dink

PanARMENIAN.Net - Earlier this month, Michael Coteau, member of provincial parliament for Don Valley East, made a statement in the Ontario Legislative Assembly honoring Turkish-Armenian journalist, the late Hrant Dink, the Armenian National Committee of Toronto reported.

"The Armenian National Committee of Toronto is glad to have MPP Michael Coteau help us honor the life of Hrant Dink," said Mr. Jack Tchakmakian, chair of the ANCT. "The Armenian community in Toronto continues to mourn the life of Dink, who was an important voice for minority rights in Turkey," he added.

“The date January 19 this year marked the fifth anniversary of the assassination of Turkish Armenian journalist, Hrant Dink. Hrant Dink was an internationally respected journalist, intellectual and prominent Armenian voice in Turkey. He is most famously recognized as the editor-in-chief for the Turkish Armenian newspaper Agos,” Mr. Coteau said.

“During his distinguished career, Mr. Dink was outspoken against the state, pointing out the fact that the Ottoman Empire committed genocide against the Armenian population in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians. Because he spoke truth to power, Dink was arrested multiple times. In 2007, Dink was assassinated outside of the Agos newspaper office by a 17-year-old ultra-nationalist.

“Nearly five years later, the trial of his murdered was brought to a close this January. While the youth was convicted to a life sentence in June 2011, many in the Armenian community continue to raise questions about the original investigation.

“I stand alongside the Armenian community in my riding on Don Valley East, throughout Ontario and abroad, as they continue to commemorate Dink’s life. Together, let us stand with the Armenian community. We stand against genocide. We stand in support of freedom of speech for all, especially journalists, who contributions to democracy are invaluable,” he said.

On January 19, 2007, Dink was shot outside the Agos newspaper offices in Istanbul, where he served as editor-in-chief, by a 17-year-old Turkish nationalist. This year marks the 5th anniversary of Dink's assassination.