EU Commissioner calls for action to bring Dink killers to justiceOctober 5, 2011 - 14:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 100 journalists have been murdered in the Council of Europe’s 47 member states over the past 20 years, Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg said. In his ‘Comment’ article, the commissioner notes the deaths of Hrant Dink in Turkey, Georgy Gongadze in Ukraine and Elmar Huseynov in Azerbaijan and points to the fifth anniversary later this week (October 7) of the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya. He says that many, many more reporters have been attacked or have received threats in the course of their professional activities and urges more effective action to bring the killers and their handlers to justice. “No effort must be spared to apprehend and bring to justice not only the actual killers, but also those who ordered these murders,” the commissioner adds. “Freedom of the media is essential for the protection of all other human rights. “There are many examples where misuses of power, corruption, discrimination and even torture have come to light because of the work of investigative journalists. The purpose of journalism is not to please those who hold power or to be the mouthpiece of governments – the most important role is to be public watchdogs.” Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |