Washington, DC - Today, as Armenians and non-Armenians alike mark the 5th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink, and pause to reflect on his life's work, deep disappointment continues to be expressed regarding the January 17th Turkish court decision in the Dink case, which fell far short in rendering justice. Despite its public commitment to do so, Turkey failed to conduct an exhaustive investigation and the January 17th court decision reflects this fact as all suspects were acquitted of charges of acting as part of an organized conspiracy. The European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, Ria Oomen-Ruijten, called the verdict "disappointing." "The Hrant Dink case could have been an example of how properly functioning judicial institutions deal with disrupting forces in a society. This verdict makes clear the need for further judicial reform in Turkey," Oomen-Ruijten continued. In the weeks following Dink's assassination in January 2007, then Chairman Joseph Biden, Jr. (D-DE) of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at the urging of the Armenian Assembly, introduced legislation (S. Res. 65) condemning Hrant Dink's murder and urged Turkey to repeal Article 301 of its penal code, which criminalizes discussion of the Armenian Genocide. The legislation, which also supported "an exhaustive investigation into the assassination of Mr. Dink" by the Turkish government, unanimously passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the first time in 18 years that a Senate Committee approved legislation with reference to the Armenian Genocide. Chairman Biden commented at that time: "Hrant Dink was a man of strong conviction who wanted, above all, to foster greater understanding and respect between Turks and Armenians. His assassination is one more tragic reminder of why Turkey needs to reform its laws and allow for an open discussion of events surrounding the Armenian Genocide. It should never be a crime to speak the truth." Memorial services honoring Dink are being held throughout the Armenian diaspora, while in Turkey tens of thousands have taken to the streets again to demonstrate solidarity with the Dink family, and to protest the court's failure to hold all those involved with Hrant Dink's murder accountable. "Hrant's spirit touched us all as he sought to make Turkey a better place for everyone. His exemplary courage will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rakel Dink and her family, especially during this difficult time in light of the recent court decision," stated Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Legate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in Washington, DC. Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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