The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Turkey to continue efforts for revealing the organizers behind journalist Hrant Dink's murder.

As reported by Aravot, on January 9, an Istanbul court revisited one of the final hearings regarding the 2007 assassination. Some charges in the Hrant Dink case were dropped due to the statute of limitations.

Dink, editor-in-chief of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos, had faced death threats from nationalist Turks for his judgy publications, which led to accusations of “insulting Turkish identity.” His murder caused widespread shock in the country.

The latest trial, launched in 2023, involves 15 defendants accused of links to the late preacher Fethullah Gülen. Turkey holds Gülen responsible for leading the so-called FETÖ terrorist organization and the 2016 coup attempt. Authorities claim Gülen’s supporters were also involved in Dink's murder.

On the same day, the court also reviewed verdicts issued in 2021. The trial is set to resume on February 7.

"Over 18 years since the heinous murder of journalist Hrant Dink, numerous trials and reviews have been mired in politics, failing to deliver justice to Dink’s family. Turkish authorities must heed the demands of the family’s lawyers, uncover the conspiracy, and put an end to this nearly two-decade-long shame," CPJ’s Turkey representative Özgür Öğret said.

In their appeal to the Supreme Court in 2022, Dink’s family lawyers raised concerns about the investigation and trials. They cited attempts to tarnish Dink’s reputation, evidence mishandling, and lack of interest in potential conspirators.

Two defendants received life sentences. Other charges, including "aiding a terrorist organization without being a member," were dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

The court dropped charges against Ogün Samast, Ahmet İskender, Erhan Tuncel, Yasin Hayal, Tuncay Uzundal, Zeynel Abidin Yavuz, and Ersin Yolcu. Meanwhile, Ali Fuat Yılmazer and Ramazan Akyürek were sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. Adem Sağlam was convicted of being a member of a terrorist organization and sentenced to six years, ten months, and 15 days in prison.

CPJ reached out to the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office for comment but has yet to receive a response.