Resolution condemning Dink assassination co-sponsored by 59 Congressmen

PanARMENIAN.Net - A congressional resolution condemning the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, gained additional support as Representatives Michelle Bachmann (R-MN), Charles Gonzales (D-TX), Zack Space (D-OH) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) signed on as the bill's latest cosponsors, the Armenian Assembly of America told PanARMENIAN.Net



The lawmakers added their support following meetings with the Armenian Assembly in Washington, bringing the current number of cosponsor to 59. They join Representatives Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Ed Royce (R-CA), Paul Ryan (R-WI), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) who have added their names to the list of supporters in recent months, calling on Congress to adopt H. Res. 102. The Assembly-backed bill, introduced last January by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), condemns Dink's murder, honors his legacy and calls on Turkey to take appropriate action to protect freedom of speech by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish penal code.



"I am proud to cosponsor this resolution and help to ensure that the life and legacy of Hrant Dink are not forgotten," Bachmann said. "I applaud the Assembly in their efforts to support America's Armenian community."



The Assembly appreciates the growing bipartisan support for this important human rights legislation," said Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly. "Hrant Dink was a law-abiding citizen who believed in democratic ideals and peaceful change. It is only fitting that in his memory, Congress take a strong stand against Turkey's inexplicable use of Article 301 to indict citizens for openly discussing the Armenian Genocide."



Dink's life was violently taken in broad daylight, in front of his office at Agos, the newspaper he founded and directed since 1996. An outspoken advocate for democratic reform, he stood trial several times for his public comments on the genocide and was convicted in October 2005 for "insulting Turkishness" under Article 301.



H. Res. 102 is currently pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) introduced a similar measure in the Senate last February, which passed on March 29, 2007. The Biden resolution condemns Dink's assassination and urges Turkey to take appropriate action to protect freedom of speech by repealing Article 301.



For more on Dink, including background information, official statements and media reports, please visit the Hrant Dink Resource Page.