Armenian church in Istanbul daubed with hate speech March 26, 2015 - 09:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Surp Astuanzazh Armenian Church in Istanbul's Bakırköy neighborhood was daubed with hate speech this week, as “1915, blessed year” was written on a wall of the building in reference to the Armenian Genocide, the 100th anniversary of which will be marked in April, Today's Zaman reports. In addition to “1915, blessed year,” another graffiti on the church stated, “What does it matter if you are all Armenian when there is already one Ogün Samast.” The message echoes a demonstration slogan that commemorated the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink who was assassinated in 2007 by then-17-year-old ultranationalist Samast. In the aftermath of the murder, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to show empathy for the slain journalist with signs reading “We are all Hrant, we are all Armenian.” Today's Zaman said its representatives visited the site on Wednesday, March 25 morning and found that the graffiti had been painted over. But an administrator at the church said, “This type of thing happens all the time.” No criminal complaint has been filed.  Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency.   Partner news |  Latest news Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill  Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent.Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia. |
