Armenian apology campaign organizers threatened

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish nationalistic forces create tension in the country by threatening to use force against the Turkish intellectuals who signed the Armenian Genocide apology petition, independent French journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net



Nevertheless, initiators of the campaign believe that the Turkish government is capable to overcome the crisis.



Mr. Eckian reminded that many Turkish intellectuals are still persecuted for statements referring to the Armenian Genocide.



Mehmed Ali Varis, assistant to publisher Ragip Zakaroglu, was imprisoned for "insulting Turkishness" because he was unable to pay a $15000 fee.



Over 20 thousand Turkish intellectuals, authors, journalists, scientists and musicians have already signed the online petition which reads, "My conscience does not accept the insensitivity showed to and the denial of the Great Calamity that befell the Ottoman Armenians in 1915. I reject this injustice and for my share, I empathize with the feelings and pain of my Armenian brothers. I apologize to them."